China names 1st 'spacewalker' astronaut

Zhai Zhigang, a reserve for the Shenzhou V and VI missions, is poised to become China's first spacewalker, reports have said.

Three 42-year-old astronauts - Zhai Zhigang, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng - have been selected to carry out the country's third manned space mission, which will last from Sept 25-28, according to China.com.cn.

The most likely takeoff time for Shenzhou VII is 9:10 pm on Sept 25, the website said.