Chinese President honors astronauts of successful space mission

Chinese President honors astronauts of successful space mission

Astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng, who were aboard Shenzhou-VI, were felicitated by Chinese President Hu Jintao with metals and achievement certificates at a Beijing gathering on Saturday at the Great Hall of the People. The duo was bestowed with the title of "Hero Taikonaut" and the medals of "Space Flight Achievement" which were specifically designed in their honor.

Speaking to a mass gathering at the proud occasion, Hu described the success of Shenzhou-VI a "song of triumph" in the path leading to the nation's revitalization.

Showering praise on China's advancements in space technology, President Hu rated the aerospace staff as extremely competent and having fighting qualities like facing hardships and dealing with major troubles for coming out triumphant. That apart, he also applauded the workers for the patriotic feelings and team effort keeping aside personal wealth and fame. He hoped the never-say-die spirit remains in tact in the times to come as well.

China's manned spaceflight engineering have reached the advanced level of the world, according to Hu.

And last but not the least; Hu did not fail to express his heartfelt gratitude towards others like Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan for strongly standing behind China and supporting them in their space development efforts.

Most of the Prominent Chinese leaders came together on Saturday to join the country in celebrating the nation's successful manned spacecraft in mid-October.

The leaders had a tête-à-tête with the two astronauts and also the team members of the space mission who played a hand in scripting the success story like the professionals and officials.
A crowd of over 3,000 people thronged the Great Hall of the People to witness the grand event and make their contribution in making the event a success.

Shenzhou VI was China's first ever multi-person and multi-day manned space mission. It took off on a Long March 2F carrier rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Oct. 12 with the astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng on a five-day assignment.

Back in October 2003, Yang Liwei orbited in space for 21 hours which made China only the third nation after the US and former Soviet Union to 'reach the skies' via a manned mission.