Successful launch of the Shenzhou VI spacecraft Wednesday further boosted Chinese people's passion in scientific innovation and space science.

"The Shenzhou VI spacecraft just reminded me of the importance of scientific innovation," said Cheng Zheng, a renowned automobile designer.

He said successful launch of the Shenzhou VI spacecraft impels professionals in the automotive industry to ponder this question: the aerospace sector has reached advanced level in the world through China's independent efforts. What about the automotive sector?

"We must learn from the hard-working, enterprising and innovative spirit of people in the aerospace industry," he said. "We have no reason to believe that we can do nothing well without outside help."

The launch also kindled people's interest in space science and technology. In many parts of the country, including Shanghai and Beijing, the number of visitors to exhibitions of space science and technology swells greatly.

In Shanghai, about 4,000 people visited the exhibition on the theme staged in the Shanghai Science and Technology Exhibition Hall daily these days.

"We students asked our teacher to organize a visit to the exhibition. We admire the excellent constitution, psychological condition, fortitude and enterprising spirit of the taikonauts very much," said a high school student surnamed Lu.

Fan Zhijie, a citizen in Beijing, said the Shenzhou VI launch will motivate him to better do his job.

"Just as launch of the spacecraft requires dedication and concerted efforts of all participants, development of the country requires contribution of all citizens," said Fan.

"The fortitude, dedication and rigor exhibited by the astronauts will be forever sources of inspiration to me," he said.

Zhou Xudong, a space science expert in Shanghai, said successful launch of Shenzhou VI shows quality of China's new and hi-tech products is excellent.

"But the there are still countless jobs for us to do in the aerospace sector. We must never for a moment slacken our efforts," he said.

"With the pride in our hearts, people in China's aerospace industry will continue to steadily push forward development of China's aerospace technology," he said.

The Shenzhou VI spacecraft, carrying two astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng, blast off at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday.

Two years ago, China launched Shenzhou V spacecraft carrying Yang Liwei into space, making China the third country after the former Soviet Union and the United States capable of such a feat.

(Xinhua News Agency October 15, 2005)