Chinese president talks with Shenzhou-VI astronauts

Chinese President Hu Jintao Saturday afternoon talked with the two taikonauts aboard Shenzhou-VI, China's second manned spacecraft that enters its fourth day of orbiting.

Chinese President Hu Jintao Saturday afternoon talked with Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng, the two taikonauts aboard Shenzhou-VI, China's second manned spacecraft.

The space-ground conversation between the president and taikonauts started at 16:29, Oct. 15, 2005 (Beijing Time).

In a special hook up with the space capsule, Hu first extended congratulations and greetings to the astronauts, and asked about their health and work.

"The spacecraft is working well and we are feeling good. All space scientific experiments are carried out as planned," Nie said.

Hu said the successful launch of Shenzhou-VI represents another "major" step forward in China's manned space program.

"The motherland and people are proud of you. I hope you will successfully complete your task by carrying out the mission calmly and carefully and have a triumphant return," Hu said.

Fei thanked the president for the support encouragement, promising they will fulfill the mission.

After the space-ground conversation, the president also expressed thanks to space workers at the Beijing Aerospace Command and Control Center. Hu urged the space workers to ensure safe return of the two astronauts and make greater success.

By People's Daily Online