All attention will shift to the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics tonight at 8 PM. One of the biggest surprises for the audience will be the grand firework display. Zhao Weiping, the head of the Firework Operation Team for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics and at the Great Wall, said: "We are ready for tonight's firework display and every spark will be planned and controlled."

The second rehearsal of the Opening Ceremony in the National Stadium (Bird's Nest) on August 2, 2008. The sky is aflame with fireworks. [Xinhua]

The sky over "Bird's Nest" will be lit by over 16,000 fireworks. High-tech measures such as implant chips in the fireworks to increase accuracy will make the display even more outstanding. "This will also be a historic feature of the display," said Zhao.

Shenzhou VI Experts reinforce the firework display team

Every detail of the display, including launch schedule, peak altitude, and detonation, are controlled by computer, to add to the precision of the operation.

"The presence in the stadium of Presidents and public figures from more than 80 countries demands the utmost rigor from our preparations. If a single piece of debris from a single firework falls on anyone of the spectators, we have failed," acknowledged Zhao.

In order to avoid sparks falling on the membrane covering the "Bird's Nest", fireworks must burn out before the descend. Additionally, waste material produced by the fireworks is also a problem. Researchers have spent three months working out solutions.

High-tech processes, used for the first time in a firework display, have made a significant contribution. Experts from the Shenzhou VI space programme have developed an air pressure launching device, which improves precision and safety and eliminates smoke.

Heavy work of data input

The 16,000 fireworks will provide an incredible display of shapes and forms, including rotating Olympic rings, stars, and doves of peace. They have also generated a heavy workload of data input – three days and nights for one team member. "Failure is not an option," said Zhao. "One small mistake could ruin the whole effect."

Due to the special structure of the National Stadium and its vulnerability, the installation of the individual devices has also placed a high demand on the team. Special frameworks have been installed to protect the steel structure during the firework display.

According to Zhao, the team is made up of 220 members, including 20 postgraduates and 40 undergraduates, all of whom went through a strict selection procedure.

Waterproof fireworks will guarantee the display

Zhao also revealed that the inner packing of the fireworks is waterproof. The display will go ahead tonight even if it rains.

Every step from raw material purchase to final manufacture has been carried out under strict monitoring to ensure the highest quality, according to Zhao.

"In accordance with the technical requirements of the Olympics, firework production was subject to a rigorous sampling inspection. The sample rate was 50 percent," he said.

(China.org.cn by Wu Huanshu, August 8, 2008)