Technicians engaged in the launching of the Long March 2F rocket, designed to send China's third manned spacecraft into orbit, pledged their commitment to ensuring a successful mission at a ceremony in Beijing on July 19, before they departed for the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China's Gansu Province.

The spaceship, Shenzhou 7, is expected to be launched in October. One of the three astronauts on board will carry out a space walk.

China put manned spacecraft into orbit in 2003 and 2005, respectively.