China, which plans its second manned space mission for next September, Monday set up its first weather station dedicated to assisting the space program, state media reported.
The center was established in northwestern Gansu province, close to the Jiuquan satellite center where China’s first astronaut Yang Liwei blasted off, the Xinhua news agency said.
“Weather conditions are one of the key elements in securing successful take-off and landing for spacecraft,” said Song Lianchun, a Gansu meterological official.
State media said last week China’s second manned space mission will be conducted by two astronauts circling the Earth for five days to reinforce the country’s status as a major space power.
