Shenzhou-7 has successfully launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China. The space craft lifted off at 21:10 local time [13:10 GMT]. CCTV-9 provided the most extensive coverage of the space mission and continues to bring Live pictures to viewers around the world. The BBC and Sky cut into programming to bring Live pictures about 5 minutes before launch but soon after cut away to regular programmes. CNN almost missed the take-off as they started coverage less than 30 seconds from launch. The taikonauts will spend 70 hours in space during which Zhai Zhigang will conduct China’s first space walk. The launch was watched by millions across China and by government representatives including Hu Jintao who made the journey to Gansu province. Within twenty minutes the craft was in orbit about the Earth and the announcement of its successful launch brought a round of applause from the control centre. President Hu Jintao praised the success of the mission thus far and congratulated all those who had made the mission possible. He also hailed it a milestone in Chinese space exploration.
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