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Astronaut takes historic walk in space

Astronaut takes historic walk in space

Write: Alena [2011-05-20]

Astronaut Zhai Zhigang became the first Chinese man to walk in space on Saturday, clambering out of China's Shenzhou VII space craft in a technological feat that made the Chinese people excited.

"I'm feeling quite well. I greet the Chinese people and the people of the world," Zhai said as he climbed out of the craft at around 16:40 Beijing time, a historic achievement telecast live on CCTV. Tens of millions of Chinese viewers clustered before TV screens to watch the moment.

Chinese President Hu Jintao and other top leaders had appeared at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center to watch the live transmission of Zhai's spacewalk.

Zhai, 42, chosen by an expert team for the first "extra-vehicular activity," unveiled a red national flag, helped by colleague Liu Boming, who also briefly popped his head out of the capsule.

Zhai slowly made his way towards a test sample of solid lubricant outside the capsule, took a sample and handed it to Liu.

Zhai safely returned inside the craft after about 20 minutes. The walk marked the highpoint of China's third manned space journey, which has received widespread media coverage.