Full Text: China's Space Activities in 2016 (4)

IV. Policies and Measures for Development

The Chinese government has formulated policies and measures to support the space industry and create favorable conditions for its sustainable, sound and rapid development.

The China National Space Administration is the government agency in charge of China's civil space activities and international space cooperation, and performs corresponding functions of administration.

1. Space activities rationally arranged

Priority is given to the construction and application of space infrastructure, alongside support for space exploration and space science research, in China's ongoing efforts to expand its capacity to enter and utilize space and enhance guarantee for space security.

2. Space innovation greatly enhanced

A number of major projects and scientific and technological programs have been implemented to promote significant progress of space science and technology, and enhance the overall level of China's science and technology.

The roles of various players are clearly defined in the formation of a framework of innovation featuring the coordinated efforts of the government, enterprises, universities, research institutions and consumers, and the creation of technical and industrial innovation partnerships, so as to shape a chain of innovation to match the overall industrial chain.

Efforts are being made to build a space research base and plan in advance strategic, fundamental and forward-looking research projects to tackle key technical problems, so as to substantially increase China's capacity for original innovation and create a state-of-art platform in this field.

The customization development of space technologies has been enhanced to put research findings into industrial production and lead national economic development.

3. Space industry capacity transformed and upgraded

Efforts are constantly being made to build an integrated and open system comprising system integrators, specialized contractors, market suppliers and public service providers, based on the national economy and covering all links from scientific research to production.

A project to reinforce space science infrastructure has got off the ground with the goal of removing the basic bottlenecks and obstacles concerning key materials, core spare parts and advanced technology, and improving such systems as standards and measurements.

Information technology has been further applied to make space industry capacity more digitalized, Internet- and artificial intelligence-based.

4. Satellite application industry accelerated

Industrial policies related to satellite application, and national standards and quality systems have been improved. Supportive mechanisms for satellite data sharing have been established and improved, and platforms for sharing satellite data and resources upgraded to create a satisfactory environment for the satellite application industry and boost the overall performance of satellite application.

Industrial clusters and markets for satellite application are being cultivated to improve the industrial chain. Development for integration application of satellite technologies is being encouraged to promote the integrated development of satellite application with the Internet, big data, Internet of Things and other emerging industries, so as to create new products, new technologies, new modes of business and new points of growth, and give impetus to the mass entrepreneurship and innovation.

5. Relevant legislative work strengthened

Efforts have been made to accelerate the formation of a legal system centering on the legislation of a national law to govern the space industry, including studying and formulating regulations on space data and their application management, the management of the export of astronautic products and technologies. The regulations in force on permits for space launch projects, registration of space-related items, and permits for scientific and technological research and production have been improved to guide and regulate various space-related activities in accordance with the law, which provides legal guarantee for building China's space industry.

China has undertaken studies of international space law, and actively participated in the formulation of international rules regarding outer space.

6. System of diverse funding improved

The scope of government investment is being clearly specified, the way in which such investment is arranged is optimized and investment management is regulated, and sustainable and steady government financial support for space activities is guaranteed.

The mechanism for market access and withdrawal has been improved. A list of investment projects in the space industry has been introduced for better management in this regard. Non-governmental capital and other social sectors are encouraged to participate in space-related activities, including scientific research and production, space infrastructure, space information products and services, and use of satellites to increase the level of commercialization of the space industry.

The government has increased its cooperation with private investors, and the mechanism for government procurement of astronautic products and services has been improved.

7. Training of professionals for the space industry strengthened

The mechanisms related to the training, assessment, flow of and incentives for professional personnel are being improved in an effort to form a well-structured contingent of highly qualified personnel in the course of construction of important projects and major programs, which consists of strategic scientists, leading researchers and technicians, entrepreneurs and high-caliber professionals, as well as experts in international cooperation.

8. Knowledge about space science disseminated

Events have been organized around "China Space Day," "World Space Week" and "Science and Technology Week" to disseminate knowledge and culture about space, promote the "Spirit of the Manned Space Program," inspire the nation, especially its young people, to develop an interest in science, explore the unknown and make innovations, and attract more people into China's space industry.