Shenzhou VI?spacecraft, China's second manned space mission
and first to send two astronauts into orbit, is the first to carry
a Chinese language newspaper to space.
A special issue commemorating Shenzhou VI space flight of
Shanghai-based Jiefang Daily, one of China's leading
newspapers, is also possible the first newspaper send to space by
mankind, according to professional search results.
The special issue carries the essay of On Earth, printed by
Jiefang Daily's predecessor Shenbao 100 years
ago, the first on astronomy ever present by a Chinese
newspaper.
Theories in the essay are recorded in ancient Chinese books,
indicating the Chinese exploration of the space thousands of years
ago, and sending the special issue into space is designed to
marking the long history of space quest, said Yin Minghua,
president of the Jiefang Daily Group.
The newspaper is made of silk, a first-class writing material in
ancient China, to better keep its color and quality. Carried by
China's most technologically advanced Shenzhou VI capsule, it also
symbolizes Chinese heritage of their long civilization.
The 50-gram paper is put in the re-entry module. It is not
certain whether the two astronauts aboard will read it in
space.
Also sent into the space are four embroidery pieces featuring
signs of China's second manned space flight and Chinese astronaut
center, a painting of Chairman Mao Zedong announcing the founding
of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and a Chinese character
of "Fu" or happiness.
The first three pieces will be used for scientific research
after the craft returns. Each of the four weighs no more than 200
grams.
(Xinhua News Agency October 12, 2005)