Manned space docking exhibition opens in HK

HONG KONG - A 15-day exhibition, under the theme of "China's First Manned Space Docking Mission", was opened in Hong Kong on Sunday morning by three Chinese astronauts of Shenzhou IX mission.

The three astronauts -- Jing Haipeng, Liu Wang and Liu Yang -- were joined by Niu Hongguang, deputy commander-in-chief of China's manned space program and Acting Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong city government K C Chan at the opening ceremony.

Chan said Hong Kong people had watched the docking mission on television and hoped to meet the astronauts. He thanked the Central government and China Manned Space Engineering Office for supporting the delegation's visit and arranging valuable exhibits to display in the Hong Kong Science Museum.

The exhibition features the Shenzhou IX spacecraft's re-entry capsule, emergency food packs and drinking water, and items China's first female astronaut Liu Yang used on the mission, including her spacesuit.

More than 100 photos relating to Shenzhou IX, and documentary of the astronauts conducting experiments are on display. There are also activities based on the weightless conditions of Tiangong-1.

Admission to the exhibition is free.

Shenzhou IX blasted off on June 16 this year for its mission, and its three astronauts spent more than 10 days in space. They successfully completed the first manned rendezvous and docking mission with Tiangong-1 as well as a number of experiments, making huge breakthroughs for China's manned space engineering program.

Earlier on Sunday, the space mission delegation toured The Peak, taking the Peak Tram which linked the scenic place with Hong Kong's business district Central. They visited Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and the Sky Terrace.