First day in orbit for space trio

CHINA’s three astronauts spent their first day in orbit yesterday, preparing for a much-anticipated walk outside their craft, as Japan voiced hopes its neighbour had peaceful aims in space.

The voyage of the Shenzhou VII, China’s third manned foray into space, has proceeded without a glitch since it blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China late on Thursday, state media said.

“We feel physically sound,” the trio, led by Zhai Zhigang, reported back to ground control after blast-off, Xinhua news agency reported.