CHINA hopes to conduct a space walk in 2007 and might recruit women into its next group of astronaut candidates, a senior space programme official said yesterday following the safe completion of the nation’s second manned mission.

The two astronauts on China’s second manned space flight landed before dawn today, shown live on state TV as they emerged from their capsule smiling and waving after a five-day mission.

China exulted at its second manned space flight today after the government eased its secrecy and showed the launch of two astronauts on live television, scoring a success in a costly programme that communist leaders hope will win them respect abroad and public support at home.

China’s second manned space mission will be launched tomorrow morning, carrying two astronauts into orbit on a flight lasting several days, the government announced today.