1. |
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The Shenzhou (Divine Vessel) 5 spaceship measured 9.2 metres
in length, weighed 7,790 kilograms. |
2. |
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With a diameter of 2.5 metres and a volume of about 6 cubic
metres, the re-entry module is the largest of its kind in the
world. |
3. |
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Shenzhou-5 was equipped with 52 engines designed to ensure
precise readjustment of its attitude and flight maneuvers. |
4. |
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Fifty-five latest technologies were used for the first time
to build the Changzheng (Long March) 2F carrier rocket that
sent Shenzhou-5 into space. |
5. |
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The Changzheng-2F rocket had a lift-off mass of 479.8 tons,
and measured 58.3 metres in height with the spaceship on top
of it. |
6. |
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Shenzhou-5 flew in a circular orbit 343 kilometres above the
Earth. |
7. |
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It took about 90 minutes for Shenzhou-5 to orbit once around
the Earth. The spaceship had to withstand a temperature difference
of 180 degrees Celsius while in orbit. |
8. |
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Nine land-based stations in China and abroad kept tracking
the spaceship during its flight, and four large tracking ships
were deployed in the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean. |
9. |
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Yang Liwei unfurled in space a national flag of China and
a United Nations flag, both made of nylon and measuring 15cm
by 10cm and weighing 10 grams. A larger UN flag, which measured
180 cm by 120cm and weighing 330 grams, was also carried on
board but remained furled. |
10. |
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Shenzhou-5 flew round the Earth 14 times, traversing a distance
of about 600,000 kilometres. |
11. |
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Five helicopters and 14 special vehicles were standing by
for search and salvage operations before the spaceship landed. |
12. |
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The landing site of Shenzhou-5 was just 4.8 kilometres off
target. |
