China to Explore Moon, Mars

The illusion of Chinese ancestors about stepping on the moon has been handed down from each generation as a beautiful dream.

But the dream could become reality with Chinese scientists saying they will explore the moon.

At a celebration of the first World Space Week held in Beijing Wednesday, Luan Enjie, director of the State Aerospace Bureau (SAB), told some 2,000 participants that China will realize its dream of exploring the moon and will actively participate in the international exploration of Mars.

Luan also said that China will undertake the aviation of a manned spaceship based on the successful unmanned test flight last year.

The SAB head said that China will select a limited number of goals in the field of aerospace.

China is set to accomplish the development and manufacturing of a new type of launchers. It will also try to enter the international market of satellite communication.

Song Jian, vice-chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, said in a speech that the Chinese government supports, as it always has, the peaceful use of outer space. The final goal for outer space exploration should be to create a better existence and development for human beings.

Song, also the president of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), said that the aero-activities of all countries should be conducive to the friendly cooperation of peoples from different countries, social structure and prosperity in the world.

He said that China has mastered key aero-technologies based on independent studies and development over the past five decades.

The Chinese government will continue its support for international exchanges and cooperation between China and other countries in aero-space technology, space application and space science.

The World Space Week was initiated at a proposal accepted by the United Nations at the Third UN Outer Space Meeting held in November, 1999. The event is to be held on October 4-10 every year.



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