Article Posted on : - Sep 25, 2008

HONG KONG (BNS): All three Chinese taikonauts entered the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft at 18.28 pm Thursday, about three hours ahead of its scheduled launch, Xinhua reported.

The three astronauts entered the spacecraft after a see-off ceremony at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Northwest China.

Before entering Shenzhou 7, they also met their president who had some encouraging words to say to them.

“With strong support of the whole nation, thorough preparations of various sectors, rigorous training and sophisticated skills of yourselves, I believe you will have a complete success in this glorious and sacred mission,” President Hu Jintao reportedly told the trio.

"The motherland and people are waiting for your triumphant return," he said.

According to reports, the team then plugged their spacesuits to the re-entry module of the craft and checked the communication system with the ground control after reviewing the operation manual of the spaceship.

The Shenzhou-7 will blast off from the Center later today between 9.07 pm and 10.27 pm.