Rosaviakosmos hails China's in world arena of piloted space launches

Rosaviakosmos hails China in the world arena of piloted space launches.

The first Chinese piloted spacecraft Shenchjou-5 was successfully orbited in the morning of October 15. Military pilot Yan Livei, 38, became the first Chinese astronaut.

"We welcome new heroes appearing on the orbit," press secretary of Russia's space agency's head Sergei Gorbunov said. In his words, its own piloted program is very vital for China. Gorbunov wished the astronaut success in his mission and a soft landing.

"China has become a third full-fledged space power after Russia and the USA, and it's a positive fact for space exploration in general," said International Space Station official Viktor Blagov.

China is yet to learn a lot to reach the pioneer countries' level, but this nation has always had enough patience, Blagov said. The Chinese astronauts have done a lot to bring glory to their country.

No communication is planned yet between the Russian Mission Control and the Chinese spacecraft.