A Chinese paper is claiming that the Chinese are set for a 14-orbit flight in the next few days rather than the single-orbit 90 minute flight many have predicted. The Shenzhou V spacecraft will carry a single taikonaut into a low orbit of 120 miles to a higher orbit of 220 miles.
It’s unsure how much of this piece is simply Chinese propaganda, although since the Chinese design is based upon the proven and reliable Russian Soyuz design it is entirely possible for such a mission to be carried out.
The probable launch date is October 15, after the Chinese Communist Central Committee meeting ends in Beijing.
