Wednesday, October 12 2005 10:37 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Beijing: China today (Oct 12, 2005) launched its ambitious second manned space mission, two years after it became only the third country to send astronauts into space.

A 'Long March II F' rocket carrying two astronauts lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China's Gansu Province at 9 AM local time (6:30 IST)

The indigenously built 'Shenzhou-6' capsule is carrying astronauts Fei Julong and Nie Haisheng for a five-day orbital mission.

The two astronauts will, for the first time, move from the return module into the orbital module during their five-day mission.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao was present at the launch centre to witness the event. He also had a brief meeting with the astronauts and wished them success in their mission.

"I'm here to see you off with enormous warmth, on behalf of the (Communist) Party Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission as well as General Secretary Hu Jintao," Wen told Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng.

Wen said he believes "the astronauts will accomplish the glorious and sacred mission."

China created history when the 'Long March' rocket propelled China's first manned spacecraft, Shenzhou-5 carrying astronaut Yang Liwei, into orbit in October, 2003.

After Shenzhou-5's success, China became the third country after the United States and Russia to have the capability to undertake manned space missions.