China astronaut returns safely to earth

China’s first astronaut in space returned safely to Earth today when his craft touched down as planned after 21 hours in orbit. Beijing’s mission control declared the country’s landmark debut flight “a success”.

The craft carrying Lieutenant Colonel Yang Liwei touched down on the grasslands of Inner Mongolia in northern China as planned at dawn local time today, the official Xinhua News Agency said. Minutes later, he emerged from the capsule without help and waved at rescuers, though footage showed him appearing a bit dazed.