But?
We haven't done the mission in space yet. We can't know for sure the conditions in space. We can't be too sure yet. There is unpredictability in space.
That's to say, the real environment can't be simulated on the ground?
Right. Anything can happen in space.
Each one of you has prepared for the worst, right?
What is the worst case scenario?
The worst case scenario is we never come back again. We'll end up a true flying astronaut.
Given the technical support and adequate training, what are the odds of that happening?
I think the odds of failure are zero. This confidence wasn't built in a single day. It's been ten years since we were recruited for the task.
We studied theories, such as the principles of spacecraft, flying, space suits and air-brake hatch. The workings of each device. Once acquainted with all that, you're familiar with the way it works. Knowing all possible scenarios, you can't help but be fully confident. So the confidence is not unfounded. You're confident because of the efforts you put in before.
On a scale of one to ten, how would you measure that confidence? How confident are you?
I am full of confidence.
(CCTV September 27, 2008)
