![The search squad arrives on the scene of the Shenzhou-8 unmanned spacecraft landing in Siwangzi Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, November 17, 2011. [Xinhua Photo]](U347P886T1D4002F12DT20111122150201.jpg "The search squad arrives on the scene of the Shenzhou-8 unmanned spacecraft landing in Siwangzi Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, November 17, 2011. [Xinhua Photo]")
(Ecns.cn)--The Shenzhou 8 re-entry capsule was opened earlier today so that technicians could retrieve some specified astronautic packages. The packages will be notarized before opening.
After making a journey of over 11 million kilometers in 397 hours, Shenzhou 8 landed in Inner Mongolia on November 17.
Three tasks are expected to be accomplished after the landing of the re-entry capsule. The first is to retrieve scientific instruments and other items carried in it; the second is to dismantle the unused equipment remaining in the capsule; and the last is to transmit the data and to analyze it, said Hao Ping, director of the manned spacecraft system research institute at China Aerospace and Technology Corporation.
