An expert meeting held by China's manned space project says all is going well for preparations for the launch of Shenzhou V, despite the SARS epidemic.
Preparations for the liftoff of the country's first manned spacecraft is well underway, with stringent measures in place to safeguard staff against SARS. Researchers and technicians are accelerating development and manufacturing of the Shenzhou V and the Long March II carrier.
Astronaut training is proceeding smoothly. From 1999 to 2000, China conducted four unmanned Shenzhou flights, paving the way for the debut voyage of the first Chinese crew into the space. Chief designers and directors of the mission say Shenzhou V will be launched in autumn as scheduled.
(CCTV.com June 12, 2003)
