Giant Chinese space-tracking ship makes rare visit.

A big Chinese space-tracking ship bristling with satellite dishes is on a rare but low-key visit. The 21,000-tonne Yuan Wang II and its 470 crew are stocking up on supplies in Auckland after a month in the Pacific. The vessel was monitoring a five-day flight of the Shenzhou 6 capsule and its two astronauts. The Chinese consulate in Auckland was guarded yesterday about the purpose of the week-long visit of the Yuan Wang II, saying it was unable to confirm the ship's involvement in the space programme.
Copyright © 2005, APN Holdings NZ Ltd