Posted: Wed, Feb 19, 2003, 6:39 PM ET (2339 GMT)
The first manned launch of a Chinese spacecraft is now slated for November, one month later than previously suggested, according to Chinese media reports. The state-run People's Daily newspaper reported Tuesday that the launch of Shenzhou 5 would likely take place in November, whereas previous reports has indicated that the launch would occur in October. The launch would be the first manned launch attempt by China after four unmanned test flights of Shenzhou prototypes from late 1999 through last month. The People's Daily report also stated that 14 fighter pilots were currently training for the flight. The size of the Shenzhou 5 crew was not reported, although a report in the Beijing Youth Daily on Monday, forwarded by the AFP news agency, said that three yuhangyuans, or astronauts, would fly on the first mission.

Related Links:

•  People's Daily article
•  RIA Novosti article
•  AFP article