The performance of the Chinese astronauts in conducting China's first ever spacewalk looks very impressive, said Karl Bergquist, an expert with the European Space Agency (ESA) in a telephone interview on Saturday.

"I have just seen the first Chinese extra-vehicular activity (EVA) on the Website of Xinhua, It looks very impressive. The Chinese astronauts have done a nice job. I am really happy for China," said Bergquistam.

He also said, "There were a lot of interests in the European space community regarding the Sehnzhou-7 launch. We saw the launch at our office here at ESA and it was very impressing! We are also very confident about the success of China's first EVA."

"The success of China's first EVA means now China has finished two challenging tasks during this mission and will of course push forward the development of China's space industries," said Bergquist.

Karl Bergquist is an expert responsible for cooperation between ESA and China.

(Xinhua News Agency September 27, 2008)