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10/15/2003 Archived Entry: "China's astronaut returns safely"

GROUND CONTROL TO MAJOR YANG: China's first taikonaut has returned to Earth.

Yang touched down on the grasslands of Inner Mongolia in northern China as planned at dawn and minutes later emerged from the capsule without help and waved at rescuers, though footage showed him appearing a bit dazed.

His landing came after Shenzhou V orbited Earth 14 times. Yang, a 38-year-old fighter pilot turned astronaut, landed just 5 kilometers (3 miles) from his target, the government said.

"The mission was a success," said Li Jinai, the head of China's manned space program, according to The Associated Press.

Congratulations to Yang Liwei for returning safely.

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