Source: CCTV.com

10-12-2006 11:11

Over the past fifty years China's space program has developed from inception to its current status as the third country in the world to put man into space.

When it was born fifty years ago, China's space program was lagging far behind the world.

It took Chinese scientists fourteen years of hard work to launch the country's first satellite into space. The Dongfanghong One in 1970 was much heavier than similar first satellites launched by other countries.

But facing a daunting task, Chinese scientists didn't waver. They wanted to prove to the world that China could build its own satellite, launcher, and even manned spacecraft.

The manned space flight project was set into motion in the early 1990s.

A decade later, in 2003, Shenzhou Five entered orbit. China became the third country after the United States and the former Soviet Union to send a man into space. Yang Liwei became a national hero.

Last October, Shenzhou Six followed the success of Shenzhou Five. This time... putting two men into space for a multi-day expedition.

These successful launches marked quantum leaps in China's space program especially in technological innovation.

The next step is to put a Chinese on the moon. The projected timetable for this achievement is about ten years from now.

Scientists say they will continue their research, building on their track record of achievements. Among major projects in the works a space-based navigation and positioning network, as well as lunar exploration. Also on the agenda a new generation of carrier rockets.

As China's space science advances, research results are expected to be translated into civilian uses. And a wider range of international cooperation can be envisione

 

Editor:Sun Luying