Olympic Flame to Get High-Tech Protection
Posted on: Thursday, 1 May 2008, 03:00 CDT
China says high-tech technology will protect the Beijing Olympic flame from high winds and the oxygen-thin air as it is taken to the summit of Mount Everest.
The flame is to be carried atop the world's tallest peak from the Tibetan side as part of the celebrations preceding the Olympic Games in the Chinese capital. The Everest event is expected early next month, depending on the weather.
The technology to protect the flame was developed by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp., Xinhua reported.
The torch and the lantern used for the Qomolangma (Chinese reference to Everest) expedition are high-tech ones capable of withstanding gale-force wind, low temperatures and even the oxygen-thin air atop the Mt. Qomolangma, said expert Gao Bingxin at the mountain's base camp.
He said after tryouts last year we can say that our torch can stay (lit) in the tough, oxygen-sparse conditions that leave even experienced climbers struggling, and everyone will be able to see a bright flame.
Olympic officials began the 100-day countdown to the games Wednesday announcing theme songs picked from a list of 80,000 entries. They are Light the Passion, Share the Dream, I am A star and Smile Beijing.
Source: United Press International
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