With Shenzhou-7's launch date approaches, concerns about China's space program rises again. Besides the spacecraft itself, the new generation of China's space industry leaders and astronauts has become the focal point of the public.

At present, China has a total of 14 astronauts, with Yang Liwei, Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng as their representatives. Their average age is around 40, the golden time of aerospace career.

However, with the demand for follow-up work and the smooth transition of the old generation to the new generation, a new round of astronauts training work has already started.

China's first astronaut and deputy director of Research Training Center for Chinese Astronauts Yang Liwei told the media that the second group of astronauts will not exceed 14 people.

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China's Self-Developed EVA Spacesuits Packed Into Shenzhou-7
China's self-developed spacesuits for the extra vehicular activity (EVA spacesuits) are able to meet the requirements of spacewalk, said the spokesman of China's Manned Space Project on Sept, 2008.

The spokesman revealed that the EVA spacesuit weighs 120 kilograms and costs about 30 million yuan each.

The EVA spacesuits will provide a breathable atmosphere and a fitting humidity for astronauts.

It will also protect astronauts from dramatic environmental changes and radiation in space.

Moreover, it will provide communication service for the astronauts.

Currently, the EVA spacesuits have been packed into the module of Shenzhou-7 spaceship.