But Sun Laiyan, Vice Administrator of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), declined to reveal the exact launch date.

"As far as the launch date, it is not very convenient to say too much. We are just saying that the launch will come in the latter half of the year," Sun told AFP.

"Right now, we are actively making all preparations, following our four successful unmanned space flights. We are feeling very confident."

Sun refused to confirm that the Shenzhou V would be launched in mid-October as has been widely speculated in Hong Kong newspapers close to Beijing.

He also declined to say whether China's first manned space flight would include one or two "yuhangyuan" or astronauts.

"The guesses in the press are only guesses and are not quite accurate," he said.

Sun was speaking at the ongoing China Centennial Aviation Forum, which he organized in his capacity as the secretary general of the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense (COSTIND).

Other Chinese officials at the forum confirmed to AFP that the Long March 2-F carrier rocket and the Shenzhou, or Divine Vessel, space capsule had arrived at the Jiuquan Launching Center in northwestern Gansu province and were undergoing final preparations.

"This is a space ship. There is a lot of anxiety in this project. There are a lot of risks. We are now undertaking all the preparatory work. What we want to ensure is that the 'yuhangyuan' we send up comes back safely," one official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"Safety is number one. We have to ensure the quality of the project."

China announced last year that some 12 astronauts were being trained for the flight, and that the group would be first whittled down to three prospective pilots and then a final candidate would be chosen around launch time.

One official at the forum said that China's first-ever astronaut had still not been selected, statements which appear to back up speculation that the decision on who would get the honor to be the first Chinese-born man in space would only come on the day of the launch.

"As far as the 'yuhangyuans' are concerned, we have done a lot of training. As for which 'yuhangyuan' will be chosen, that has not been finally decided," the official said.

SPACE.WIRE