Astronauts complete visit to Macao

Macao people’s support to the nation’s aerospace project had impressed the Delegation of Shenzhou-7 Manned Space Mission, the head of the delegation, Mr Zhang Jianqi, said today. Mr Zhang said this as he and the three astronauts who completed China’s first spacewalk mission met the press this morning before returning to Beijing. Mr Zhang, who is also the Deputy Chief Commander of the mission, said he was impressed by the residents’ support to the nation’s space exploration project and their love towards the nation and the Macao SAR. Macao people are determined, confident and optimistic, he said, and with the support of the Central Government, he said he believed that the SAR Government and the Macao people would be able to overcome the global economic downturn. He also said that China would start setting up space laboratories and stations after 2011, and that Macao and Hong Kong people may contribute in experiments for the project. Zhai Zhigang, the astronaut who conducted the spacewalk, said he was impressed by the cultural diversity, harmony and uniqueness of the city. His colleague Liu Boming extended his gratitude for Macao people’s support for the nation’s astronauts, as well as the contribution of technicians and scientists for the space programme. After the interview, the delegation bade farewell to the Chief Executive Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah at Santa Sancha, before leaving for home.