Numerous risk-control efforts for Shenzhou IX

Spokeswoman for China's manned space program Wu Ping speaks at a news conference at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, in northwest China's Gansu province, June 15, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

JIUQUAN - Numerous research and drills have been made to prevent risks during China's first manned space docking mission, manned space program spokeswoman Wu Ping said Friday.

Chinese scientists have made dozens of technical upgrades on the Shenzhou IX spacecraft and the rocket in order to make them more reliable, Wu said at a press conference held one day before the Shenzhou IX is launched into space to dock with the orbiting Tiangong-1 lab module.

The crew of the Shenzhou IX, including one female and two male astronauts, have conducted over 1,500 manual docking drills, Wu said.

More than 500 emergency plans for malfunction, including some 100 for the manual rendezvous and docking, have been drawn up and a sufficient number of simulations have been conducted, she said.

Special Coverage: China to launch Shenzhou IX