BEIJING, Oct. 12 -- China opened a new chapter in its ambitious drive to become a global space power as it launched its second manned space mission and sent two astronauts into orbit.

Shenzhou VI, based on Soviet Soyuz technology, lifted off atop a Long March 2F carrier rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 9:00 am (0100 GMT) Wednesday for a three-day mission.

The fact that Wednesday's mission carried two astronauts into space reflects the twin purposes of China's space program, which aims for both scientific gains and kudos at home and abroad, said AFP.

"Part of it is technical. If you are two people, you can do more complicated and more sophisticated types of work and experiments," said Joan Johnson-Freese, an expert on China's space program at the US Naval War College.

"Part of it is the sense of achievement. Sending two people into space is sure harder than sending one person," she said.