Today in China

As Gregory Olsen - a US millionaire scientist and the first Space Tourist - just land in Northern Kazakhstan, two Chinese astronauts are preparing for a 5 days orbital flights in Gansu (??), on board of the new Shenzhou VI (????). This is the second Chinese manned flight after the Yang Liwei’s (???) 21 hours flight two years ago.

China Daily gives us the criteria of selection based on physical and psychological aspects as well as scientific and technical competences:

• Age range: preferrably 25-40
• Height: 160-172 centimeters
• Weight: 55-70 kilograms
• Fighter-jet pilot with at least 1000 hours flying time
• Knowledgeable in flight dynamics, astronautics, astronomy, design of rockets and spacecraft
• Good health and mental disposition
• Good reasoning capability, memory, concentration, aptitude for spatial orientation and manual dexterity
• Highly motivated, emotionally stable and good communication abilities

Ermmm… I think I don’t qualify…
Out of 14 initial candidates, 3 crews of two people were selected. Finally, Fei Junlong (???) and Nie Haisheng (???) - who were already finalist for the previous manned flight - have been chosen..

The main objective of the mission is to study the physical reaction of the crew, to improve the spacecraft as well as to perform some scientific experiments.

Update
Here is what the two atronauts said before they left:
“We have the confidence and ability to fulfil this glorious task. Our only wish is to make the mission a complete success,” Fei said before boarding the craft.
“Life in space is full of mysteries,” Nie added.
“There is nothing to worry about,” the two were quoted as saying before the launch as a light snow fell. “We will accomplish the mission resolutely. See you in Beijing.”

Indeed, see you in Beijing!
Source
China Daily - Wednesday October 12 2005