SPACE WIRE
China's first astronaut bestowed official title of "Space Hero"
BEIJING (AFP) Nov 07, 2003
China's first astronaut Yang Liwei was officially bestowed the title of "Space Hero" by military chief Jiang Zemin at a rally Friday celebrating the country's maiden manned space flight.

Yang was also awarded a badge of honor outside the Great Hall of the People in an event organised by the ruling Communist Party and Central Military Commission.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao announced the decision to honor the 38-year-old, who has been put on a pedestal as China revels in patriotic fervor. Jiang made the presentations.

Addressing the rally, President Hu Jintao, who calls Yang "a warrior", praised everyone who contributed to the country's manned space program.

"China will work with the international community for peaceful use of outer space," said Hu.

China launched its Shenzhou V manned spacecraft, with Yang aboard, on October 15. The craft orbited the Earth 14 times before landing the next day.

The successful mission made China the third country in space after Russia and the United States, and marked the initial success of its manned program launched in 1992.

Yang, a fighter pilot, became an instant star when he emerged from his capsule in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia, and was swiftly promoted from lieutenant colonel to full colonel.

Friday's rally follows a five-day victory parade in Hong Kong.

China is expected to launch its next manned mission within two years with the priority being a space walk and eventually to set up its own space station, space officials have said.

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