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An image of the Shenzhou VII spacecraft shown on Tuesday, February 19, 2008.

China has successfully resolved the key matter of the space walk for its manned Shenzhou VII's mission this year, a scientist from China's top space program research institute was quoted as saying in a TV report.

Yang Baohua, head of the China Academy of Space Technology, told China Central Television on Tuesday that the air lock module on Shenzhou VII has been proved effective in a joint ground verification experiment along with taikonauts in space suits for spacewalks.

The air lock module will work as a transfer station that will allow taikonauts to walk outside and inside the spacecraft with adaptable air pressure.

China's manned Shenzhou VII spacecraft will lift off at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in western China's Gansu province this year, carrying three taikonauts. It will mark another milestone in China's manned space flights history.

As taikonauts have successfully carried out spacecraft operations and were able to take care of themselves in the capsules during the two previous missions, Shenzhou VII taikonauts will take on more initiatives during the flight. The new situation will raise higher requirements for their technological proficiency, physiques and ability to stand more pressures.

The Shenzhou VII manned spacecraft China independently developed boasts technologies that are approaching or exceeding that of the international third generation spacecrafts, according to early media reports.

The Shenzhou VII consists of three cabins, the orbiting cabin, returning cabin and propelling cabin. The returning cabin has a diameter of 2.5 meters, which is the largest in the world so far.

After the cabin returns to earth, the orbiting cabin will stay in orbit for several months to continue space exploration and technical experiments.

Throughout Shenzhou VII's launch and experiments during the space flight, China will make great breakthroughs in the key technologies regarding taikonauts' activities out of the spacecraft. This is meaningful for China to build its own space station in the future.

Chinese researchers are busy working on the launch of the manned spacecraft, Shenzhou VII, and people can view the spacewalks on television.