Another leap forward for China

By Hu Yinan (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-09-26 07:19

JIUQUAN, Gansu -- The first evening launch of a Shenzhou manned space mission is one people will remember for generations.

It was virtually impossible for anyone at the scene not to be fascinated on a rather chilly evening.

Migrant workers watch a TV showing the Long-March II-F rocket carrying the Shenzhou VII manned spacecraft blasting off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Hefei, Anhui province September 25, 2008. [Agencies]

They witnessed history in the making from a distance of 1.5 km from the launch pad on the outskirts of China's second largest desert.

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, a small town with a population of 30,000, was suddenly swarmed by people from all across the country.

The liftoff was truly awe-inspiring as Shenzhou VII broke through the clouds to thunderous applause.

It was as if all spring festivals, new years and Christmases had come at once.

Spectators held their breath waiting for that vital moment - blast off.

And when it arrived, and was successful, there was laughter, hugs, applause and flashlights.

The astronauts' brief ceremony earlier in the afternoon had given way to a genuine party, much like that of a wedding ceremony, where after the formalities, the couple are sent on their way in a limousine with good wishes.

Even with dozens of soldiers trying to clear the crowds, the vehicle carrying the three astronauts to the launch site had to stop frequently.

There were simply too many people - technicians, relatives, children, reporters, tourists, and soldiers.

For a moment, it felt like being at Tian'anmen Square during the 50th Anniversary parade of the People's Republic of China, or amid crowds supporting the Olympic torch relay recently.

But the experience of being surrounded by a mass of humanity in an isolated oasis town was unparalleled to any other.

As soon as the astronauts' vehicle managed to make its way outside their apartment compound, crowds started singing and dancing.

Almost everyone took out their cameras and began to pose.

With the announcement of the spaceship's entry into Earth orbit, serenity was once more restored.

After years of preparation and efforts from a countless number of people, the job was finally done.

For the spacewalker and his two assistants, though, the mission had just begun.