China will launch its third manned space flight and attempt its first spacewalk this month, shortly before marking the 59th anniversary of its founding on October 1, in a display of confidence to the world.
State media said the Shenzhou VII would head into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the northwestern province of Gansu between September 25 and 30, just days before the October 1 National Day, when the government heralds its achievements.
The two previous manned missions, one in 2003 and another in 2005, both took place in October. The latest launch comes as the nation celebrates its successful hosting of the Olympics, though the year has been overshadowed by the Sichuan earthquake and protests by Tibetans.
Three astronauts would take part, with one making the eagerly anticipated spacewalk, which would be broadcast live on television, Xinhua said.
Earlier media reports had said the launch had been moved up from the originally planned October to shortly after the Paralympics, which end on September 17.
The government is keeping the identity of the three astronauts and their three-member backup team secret, but a spokesman for the centre was quoted as saying they were skilled and in good physical and mental health.
Yesterday state television showed workers in orange uniforms helping three unidentified astronauts into the spacecraft in a drill, though it was not known if the footage was current.