BEIJING, Oct. 12 -- France's leading press Le Figaro hailed China for successfully launching two astronauts into space aboard the Shenzhou-6 spacecraft in the second manned space mission on Wednesday.

"The success of the launching of Changzheng-2F carrying Shenzhou VI is a big step toward the new spatial era. The event proves that China is a modern nation that moves fast foward in its space program," Le Figaro commented.

Some French media also regard the mission as "a beautiful event, a beautiful performance."