Chief Executive Donald Tsang has congratulated the country on the successful launch of the Shenzhou-7 spacecraft today.

Mr Tsang said since the successful launch and return of Shenzhou-5 in 2003, there has been a big leap forward in the country's development of manned space technology and space exploration, bringing great joy and excitement to the Chinese nation.

The spacewalk to be conducted by one of the three astronauts - Zhai Zhigang, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng - will mark another historical milestone in China's manned space programme, Mr Tsang said.

"We are all looking forward to the victorious return of the crew members after the successful completion of their mission," he said.