China will launch its third manned spacecraft Shenzhou-7 from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Thursday,a spokesperson with China's manned space program said on Wednesday.

The first Chinese astronaut is likely to walk in space around 4:30 pm on Friday,a day after spacecraft Shenzhou VII lifts off,the commander-in-chief of the mission's ground operation has said.

TheShenzhou-7,carrying three taikonauts,will be launched on a Long-March II-F carrier rocket and then moved into orbit at an altitude of 343 kilometers.