Former Soviet Astronaut Anatoliy Solovyov

Former Soviet Astronaut Anatoliy Solovyov has also been paying a lot of attention to China's progress in space technology.

He holds the world record for number of spacewalks and time spent during spacewalks: at least 80 hours over 16 separate outings.

Solovyov describes his first spacewalk as a "very challenging job".

He says the spacewalk mission is a big step for the development of China's space program. He expressed his congratulations to experts and astronauts who are participating in the "Shenzhou 7" mission.

Solovyov said, "I believe everything will go smoothly and China's spacewalk will be successful."

Solovyov has written a congratulatory letter to all the staff for the upcoming mission. He says he will keep a close eye on the achievements of the Chinese space mission.

(CCTV September 24, 2008)