The final stage of preparation for China's third manned space mission has begun. [Xinhua]

[Xinhua]

In the following week, the crew of six, 3 who will blast off and their 3 backups, will be the focus of the country and the world.

Ahead of that, they'll go through a battery of tests and training in the Launch Field.

Chen Shanguang, Director China Astronaut Training Center, said, "The astronauts will take a rest and go through physical exams here. Then they still need some training and to learn the mission protocols. This is the final preparedness before they go into space."

The astronauts first entered the Launch Field two weeks ago. They conducted their first joint test with the craft, ground control and their teammates.