BEIJING (AP) -- Chinese astronauts are in Russia for training as China's secretive space program progresses toward launching its first piloted spacecraft, a state-run newspaper has reported.
China tested a spacecraft it hopes to use for piloted exploration in November, sending the Shenzhou, or "Sacred Vessel,'' in orbit around the Earth 14 times.
State media have carried periodic reports that another test-flight could take place around October 1 -- the 51st anniversary of communist rule.
Astronauts won't ride in the craft until scientists are sure of its reliability, the Yangcheng Evening News on Sunday quoted rocket designer Long Lehao as saying. Long added that the Soviet Union conducted seven pilotless tests and the United States 21 before sending astronauts aloft.
A human spaceflight by China "isn't too far away, but it's not too near either,'' Long, with the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, was quoted as saying.
As part of the preparations, Long noted that China recently sent a group of astronauts to Russia for training, the report said. It did not elaborate on their training, but China has previously sent at least two potential astronauts to Russia.
The Chinese space program already has the ability to mount a lunar landing, but scientists are unsure how to make an expedition economically viable, Long said.
China launched its space program 30 years ago, putting its first satellite in orbit. Since then, it has made fitful progress. Chinese leaders have devoted more resources to the program in recent years, seeing in it a source of national pride and a chance to develop advanced technologies.
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