With only several hours before the launch of the Shenzhou-7 spaceship, China's first astronaut, Yang Liwei, spoke highly of the three astronauts carrying out the mission.

Yang said they are outstanding astronauts, and he believes they will successfully complete the mission.

Yang Liwei said, "The three of them all have their own characteristics. Zhai Zhigang is a very extroverted. Liu Boming is quiet but conscientious. And Jing Haipeng is a careful person. As their comrade, I believe they are totally qualified for the mission. And I wish them a big success."

(CCTV.com September 25, 2008)