Zhai returned to the Shenzhou VII spacecraft after about 15 minutes, completing a historic moment in China's space programme.

The space mission, China's third manned foray into space, is a step towards China's goal of assembling a space lab and then a larger space station.

"I'm feeling quite well. I greet the Chinese people and the people of the world," Zhai said as he climbed out of the craft.

Zhai unveiled a small Chinese flag, helped by colleague Liu Boming, who also briefly popped his head out of the capsule.

While out in space, Zhai will make tests and launch a "companion satellite" to monitor the walk and broadcast it back to Earth. The team is due to land back on Earth on Sunday.

Agencies