A Spacewalk And... Women!

With a second orbital success under its belt, now what? China says it's getting ready for a 2007 spacewalk and the entry of women into its field of "taikonaut" candidates.

"Our estimate is that around 2007 we will be able to achieve extravehicular activity by our astronauts and they will walk in space," said  Tang Xianming, director of China's Space Engineering Office. He was quoted by the Associated Press.

"At present, we do not have women participants among our astronaut candidates," he said. "But according to our development program and plans for manned space engineering, for the next round of selections, we might consider having some female astronauts."

The Shenzhou VI capsule landed on the grasslands of northern China -- in the dark -- over the weekend, met by off-road vehicles and helicopters. Astronauts Nie Haisheng and Fei Junlong were helped from their Soyuz-like spacecraft and sat in metal chairs as recovery teams swarmed around them.

"I want to thank the people for their love and care. Thank you very much," Fei said as the astronauts accepted bouquets of flowers from recovery team members.

If the point of the exercise was to boost China's prestige among technological nations and further national pride at home -- it apparently worked.

"Today, every son of the Yellow Emperor feels very proud," Shanghai furniture salesman Zhang Jinhua told the AP, referring to the legendary founder of China.

FMI: www.cnsa.gov.cn/main_e.asp