China's First Space Walker Back on Earth

China's third manned space mission ended successfully yesterday when the Shenzou 7 spacecraft made a soft landing in Inner Mongolia, reports Space.com. The re-entry vehicle descended beneath a giant parachute, a hatch opened and the happy astronauts clambered out. The flawless return to earth was broadcast live on television. The mission included China's first spacewalk.

"It was a glorious mission," said the astronaut who made the big walk. "We feel proud of the motherland." (More China stories.)