Astronaut Yang Liwei, who piloted China's first manned spacecraft, Shenzhou-V, will host the first program in the TV series "Shenzhou", which will begin shooting on September 15.

Telling the story of China's space program, the new series will commemorate the success of the country's first manned space flight in October last year. China Radio International reported Monday.

A related documentary, titled "Eastern Shenzhou," is to be broadcast during China's National Day holiday.

(CRI September 14, 2004)