CENAP Infoline - no 184

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-INFOLINE
Issue: NR.184
Date: October 18, 2003

This issue of CENAP-INFOLINE, an international UFO scene information bulletin, focuses heavily on China's historic first manned spaceflight.

China's First Manned Spaceflight: Shenzhou 5

The central theme of this issue is China's successful launch of its first manned space mission on October 15, 2003. The spacecraft, named Shenzhou 5 (meaning 'Magical Ship' or 'Divine Ship'), was launched from the Jiuquan Space Launch Center in the Gobi Desert, Gansu Province, using a Long March 2F rocket. This achievement positions China as the third nation, after Russia and the USA, to independently send a human into space.

The Astronaut:
Yang Liwei, a 38-year-old Lieutenant Colonel in the People's Liberation Army and former fighter pilot with 1350 flight hours, was selected as China's first taikonaut (the Chinese term for astronaut). He underwent rigorous training and was chosen from a pool of 1500 pilots. His selection was confirmed only shortly before the launch.

The Mission:
The Shenzhou 5 mission was planned to last approximately one day, with Yang Liwei orbiting the Earth 14 times. The spacecraft is an evolution of the Russian Soyuz type, described as larger, technologically more advanced, and more powerful. It consists of a service module with four engines, an orbiter with a workspace, and a return capsule designed to land in Inner Mongolia. The mission's success was hailed as a significant boost to China's national pride and technological prowess.

• Key Details of the Flight:
• Launch Date: October 15, 2003
• Spacecraft: Shenzhou 5
• Rocket: Long March 2F
• Taikonaut: Yang Liwei
• Duration: Approximately 21 hours
• Orbits: 14
• Landing Location: Inner Mongolia

Security Measures:
Notably, it was revealed shortly before the launch that the taikonaut was equipped with a pistol, ammunition, and knives. This was explained as a precaution for defending himself and the capsule in case of a landing in hostile territory, or for protection against wild animals like bears, wolves, or even sharks.

China's Broader Space Ambitions

Beyond the immediate success of Shenzhou 5, the articles highlight China's long-term aspirations in space exploration. These include:

• Space Station: Plans are in place to assemble parts of a space station, with the goal of building a facility similar to Russia's Mir by around 2010.
• Lunar Mission: An unmanned mission to orbit the Moon is planned within three years.
• Mars Exploration: The articles mention China's ambition to conquer Mars.
• Space Telescope: China aims to launch its own space telescope, dubbed 'China's Hubble', within two years, with a diameter of one meter and weighing two tons.

International Reaction:
The successful mission garnered congratulations from the USA, Russia, and the European Space Agency (ESA). However, the secrecy surrounding the project initially led to speculation and suspicion, with some Western observers fearing China's intentions in space, particularly regarding potential espionage or the development of anti-satellite capabilities.

Editorial Stance and Context

The CENAP-INFOLINE publication positions itself as a current supplementary information source to the CENAP-Report, aiming to provide the latest international UFO scene information. It is published tri-weekly, with potential for more frequent issues. The publication emphasizes its role in disseminating information and encourages subscriptions to cover costs.

The articles reflect a strong sense of national pride in China, with state-controlled media hailing the mission as a 'great contribution to the progress of humanity' and a symbol of China's new strength. The government views the space program as crucial for scientific advancement and for establishing China as a major global player.

Despite the official enthusiasm, some internal criticism is acknowledged regarding the high cost of the program relative to its immediate benefits. However, the long-term vision is emphasized, with the argument that without such breakthroughs, China would be left behind in the future of space exploration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are China's rapid ascent in space technology, its growing national pride, and its ambitious future plans in space exploration. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these developments with a focus on their significance for China's global standing and technological advancement. The inclusion of the CENAP-INFOLINE context suggests a broader interest in unexplained phenomena or advanced technologies, although this specific issue is dedicated to the factual reporting of the space mission.