Second Chinese Manned Spaceflight To Land Early Monday

Observers predict China's second manned spaceflight capsule, Shenzhou VI, will touch down early Monday morning (Beijing time) at the primary landing site located in Inner Mongolia, in China's northern region -- although Chinese officials have said the exact landing site will not be determined until just hours prior to touchdown.

"Decision will be made six hours before the spacecraft's return whether the re-entry capsule will land at the primary landing site in Inner Mongolia or this northwestern standby site," Zhu Yabin, chief of the land search and rescue team, told China’s official Xinhua News Agency.

The backup site is located in the northwestern Jiuquan region, according to Xinhua.

Taikonauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng were reportedly preparing for the return to earth Monday after orbiting the earth for five days, China's longest spaceflight to date. To date, the two-man capsule has flown nearly 1.8 million miles and has orbited the earth 71 times.

Officials added the Shenzhou capsule -- a much modified variant of Russia's long-serving Soyuz -- has provisions to remain in orbit as long as seven days. Nevertheless, weather appears to be favorable for a Monday return at the primary site.

As many as six helicopters, 14 special vehicles and more than 200 recovery workers having been mobilized for the capsule's return at the primary landing site, said chief commander in charge of landing Sui Qisheng.

"We have drawn out detailed plans to ensure that rescue workers and equipment will arrive at where the capsule lands," Sui told Xinhua.

Fei and Nie (file photo, above) thanked the Chinese people Sunday morning for their support. "We're grateful for the deep love and concern by all Chinese people, the Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan compatriots," Nie said in a space-to-ground transmission.

Fei added that he and Nie were "feeling good" and "happy" with their spaceflight.

The Shenzhou VI mission is seen as a vital step in China's plans towards developing a manned space station in earth orbit. The crew has conducted science experiments while in orbit, as well as dealing with a situation where the craft's altitude initially wasn't high enough to sustain orbit around Earth. 

The crew conducted a correction burn Friday to lift the Shenzhou into the correct orbit.

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