Chinese astronaut walks in space
Updated on 27 September 2008
Astronaut Zhai Zhigang has become the first Chinese man to walk in space.
The successful space walk was a major step for China's intergalactic ambitions.
It wants to build an orbiting space station, and is only the third nation - after the USA and Russia - to independently put a man into space.
Zhai Zihang emerged from the capsule for around 15 minutes to wave the Chinese flag, leaving his two fellow astronauts inside the orbiting Shenzhou Seven spacecraft, in an operation that was broadcast live on Chinese television.
However, some commentators have suggested that the space walk is less of a scientific breakthrough, and more about national pride.
