The final stage of preparation for China's third manned space mission has begun. The Shenzhou-7 spaceship, the Long-March 2F rocket, and the escape tower were transferred to the launch pad on Saturday afternoon. The astronauts arrived one day later, ready to make history.

These six men are China's newest stars. They've been chosen for a national first.

In the following week, the crew of six, 3 who will blast off and their 3 backups, will be the focus of the country and the world.

Ahead of that, they'll go through a battery of tests and training in the Launch Field.

Chen Shanguang, Director China Astronaut Training Center, said, "The astronauts will take a rest and go through physical exams here. Then they still need some training and to learn the mission protocols. This is the final preparedness before they go into space."

The astronauts first entered the Launch Field two weeks ago. They conducted their first joint test with the craft, ground control and their teammates.

Training has focused on the most complicated situations they may encounter during the mission.

Authorities say everything has been going as planned and the astronauts are in peak condition.

Rain fell on the Launch Field on Saturday night. Now the priority is to make sure the rocket is waterproof.

The Long March 2F is designed to withstand moderate rain.

Experts say the shower makes no difference in the plan, and everything is set for lift-off next week.

(CCTV September 23, 2008)