The Long March 2F rocket designed to carry China's third manned spacecraft into space will be sent to Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest Gansu Province in a few days, officials with the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) said in Beijing on Saturday.

The rocket was coated in red, a color to show that it was ready to fulfill its mission, said Jing Muchun, chief designer of the spacecraft, adding that further testing will be conducted to ensure 100 percent safety after the rocket arrives at Jiuquan.

About 10 days ago, Shenzhou VII, China's third manned spacecraft, arrived at Jiuquan. It is expected to be launched in October. CALT head Li Hong, together with 200 launch team members, promised they would try every means to ensure the success and safety of the launch.

In 2003, China became the third country to send an astronaut into space in its own spacecraft. The United States and the former Soviet Union (now Russia) are the others to have done so.

(Xinhua News Agency July 19, 2008)