China successfully adjusts Space capsule
MIL, Oct 14, 2005.
China's Shenzhou 6 has briefly fired its rockets to adjust its orbit as the spacecraft began the third day of a mission meant to help prepare for the eventual launch of a Chinese space station.
The manoeuvre was carried out after the capsule was found to have been dragged closer to the Earth by gravity, said the website of the Communist Party newspaper People's Daily.
It said the "maintenance operation" lasted a few seconds.
It added that there was no indication the crew was in any danger.
Astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng blasted off on Wednesday on China's second manned space mission, an effort by communist leaders to win respect abroad as a rising power and public support at home.
Travelling at about 17,500 mph, the Shenzhou 6 was making its 35th orbit.
It is circling the Earth at an altitude of 210 miles, the People's Daily said.
The government has not said how long Fei and Nie would stay up, but news reports said it could be three to five days.
Courtesy: News.scotsman.com
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