Smooth return: Shenzhou VI astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng step out of the re-entry capsule at the landing field. (Xinhua photo)

Chief Executive Donald Tsang has written to President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, offering congratulations on the successful launch and smooth return of the manned spacecraft Shenzhou VI.

Mr Tsang, on behalf of all the people of Hong Kong, extended warmest congratulations to the Central Government today.

"The success of Shenzhou VI demonstrates the strength of our motherland and highlights our nation's courage and faith," Mr Tsang said.

"From the successful mission of Shenzhou VI, we see the brilliant future of our country."

Mr Tsang also suggested in his letter to the Central Government that astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng be invited to Hong Kong with the personnel who mastered this landmark project, to enable Hong Kong people to see them in person, to share their successful experience of this mission and to pay tribute to these heroic crew members since the first astronaut Yang Liwei visited Hong Kong in 2003.

The re-entry capsule of Shenzhou VI spacecraft, carrying astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng, landed on the landing field in Central Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region safely at 4.33am.