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Launch from Jiuquan Satellite Launching
Center; landing near the settlement of Hongger, 60 km north of the city
Wulanha, capital of Siziwang Banner in the Amugulang steppes. Shenzhou
VI marked the second Chinese manned spaceflight. The crew were able to change
out of their new lighter space suits, conduct scientific experiments, and enter
the orbital module for the first time, giving them access to toilet facilities.
The exact activities of the crew were kept secret but were thought by some to
include military reconnaissance, however this is likely untrue given that
similar experiments in the US and USSR determined that humans are not suited
for military reconnaissance
The crew performed several scientific
experiments (research of bone cells, digitaly photographs from Earths surface,
studying heart problems and testing the modifications of the space ship).
There were two planned landing sites for the mission. The primary site
was the banner of Siziwang in Inner Mongolia. The secondary site was at the
Jiuquan launch site. In addition, there were recovery forces at Yinchuan, Yulin
and Handan. It is also possible for the Shenzhou spacecraft to splashdown in
the ocean should the need arise, with further recovery crews in the Yellow Sea,
the East China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
Some Chinese diplomats are
trained and equipped for any emergency landing at sites that are not on Chinese
territory. Zhang Shuting, chief designer of the emergency and rescue system,
has said that emergency landing sites have been identified in Australia,
Southwest Asia, North Africa, Western Europe, the United States and South
America. The diplomatic mission nearest to the landing site will be given the
task to head any rescue mission if necessary. The Chinese government had
advised Australia that emergency landing sites have been identified in New
South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Emergency Management Australia, the Australian government agency that
co-ordinates the response to major contingencies, has said they are ready to
deal with any emergencies that arise during spaceflights. However, the return
module is designed to allow access from the outside only to those with a
special key. A copy of this key has not been made available to Australian
officials, but it was reported that an unnamed Chinese military attaché
at the Chinese embassy in Canberra had one. |