Space exploration will certainly become the talk of the town again next week when Shenzhou VI's two astronauts visit Hong Kong for 3 days.

Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng will arrive in Hong Kong on Sunday morning from Beijing as part of a 30-strong delegation of Shenzhou VI, China's second manned space flight mission, at the invitation of Chief Executive Donald Tsang.

After the successful completion of their space mission, Fei and Nie went through two weeks of isolation and 20 days of rest, and have returned to their training and preparation for future missions. They are now said to be in excellent condition, physically and spiritually.

The chief executive said that during the three-day visit, the two astronauts and scientists would speak to the Hong Kong community, particularly the youth, about the hard work and sacrifices leading to their success.

"The itinerary of the visit will focus on the exchange of knowledge and experience in the academic, scientific research and educational fields targeting mainly students, academia and athletes," he said.

On Tuesday, the delegation will visit the Tseung Kwan O Indoor Games Hall to meet elite, disabled and young athletes, and representatives of district sports organizations.

The delegation will leave for Macao on Wednesday morning.

(China Daily November 24, 2005)