Chinese astronauts practice manoeuvring in a water tank designed to simulate the low-gravity environment of space. [Xinhua]

    One member of the crew is expected to become the first Chinese "taikonaut" to conduct a spacewalk - a mission in which the astronaut fully or partially leaves the spacecraft.

    The vehicle will carry three astronauts. The spacecraft has been named Shenzhou VII, which means "divine vessel" in Mandarin.

    "The Shenzhou VII manned space mission will be carried out at an appropriate time in October this year," the spokesman was quoted by the Xinhua News Agency as saying.

    The members of the crew, as well as a back-up team, have been selected, but their names were not unveiled.

    According to the mission plan, two of the astronauts will enter an airlock module of the spacecraft in order to make preparations for one of them to conduct the spacewalk.

    The astronaut will carry out scientific experiments in space, the spokesman said.

    The crew members have completed their basic training for space flight.

    Further training will focus on skills specifically related to the spacewalk, or "extravehicular activity".

    Ground tests have been completed and the spacec