Aims To Launch Manned Spacewalk Flight, 17 Satellites

In addition to hosting the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China also plans to boost its profile on the global stage this year with an ambitious and unprecedented effort on the part of its space program, according to state media reports.

The Associated Press states China aims to launch its third-ever manned spaceflight, which will include its first spacewalk. Huang Qiang, secretary general of the Commission of Science Technology and Industry for National Defense, told Xinhua the country will also launch 15 rockets, with 17 satellites.

No scheduled date was given for the launch of the three-man Shenzhou 7 space capsule, though it may come near the August 8 start of the Olympics. While Chinese officials deny an explicit link between its ambitious space efforts and the country's first-ever hosting of the worldwide sporting competition, given the importance of both milestones to the country it's possible the two events will coincide to some degree.

China's efforts in space will be present at the Olympics in other ways, as well. Huang told Xinhua nearly 30 new technologies will be present at the summer games, including a new Olympic torch and advanced security systems. Weather forecasting services will be provided by a new satellite, he added.

China is only the third country to send a human into orbit, accomplishing the feat in 2003. The country followed that effort with a two-man mission in 2005.

As ANN reported, China also launched its first Chang'e lunar probe late last year.

FMI: www.cnsa.gov.cn