The re-entry capsule of China's unmanned spacecraft Shenzhou-8 has been opened to unload on-board items and pre-installed back-up systems and equipment.

The re-entry capsule of China's unmanned spacecraft Shenzhou-8 has been opened to unload on-board items and pre-installed back-up systems and equipment.

The ceremony was held in Beijing's Chinese Academy of Space Technology, where the spacecraft was made. The items, including special seeds grown in the space, are set to be returned to the institution that conducted the space experiments.

The re-entry capsule of China's unmanned spacecraft Shenzhou-8 has been opened to unload on-board items and pre-installed back-up systems and equipment.

Some will go on public display. After the process, scientists will carry out further electricity discharge and data analysis, to improve the capsule's comfort and safety for future manned missions.