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China will launch some 30 satellites and several other spacecraft
during the next five years.
According to sources from relevant departments, the 30 satellites
cover 15 different categories including communication, positioning,
meteorology, and earth resource observation as well as space exploration.
Statistics show that since China's maiden satellite launch in April
1970, 73 more satellites have been sent into space, of which, 47
were made in China. Total launch success rate was over 90 percent.
China is expected to witness faster growth in the space industry
in the 21st century. Starting from next year, China will launch
several unmanned spacecraft before putting manned spacecraft into
orbit.
Astronauts are currently being trained in China and relevant experiments
are being conducted, sources noted.
China has made considerable progress in the space industry, which,
in return, has greatly contributed to the national economic development
and scientific and technological advancement.
In 1992, China kicked off an ambitious space program to develop
manned spacecraft. In November 1999, the first unmanned experimental
spacecraft, "Shenzhou", was successfully launched.
(People's Daily 12/14/2000)
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