China Unveils Ambitious Space Plans at National Space Symposium

Published: Apr 07, 2006
Source: www.space.com



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- China is celebrating its 50th anniversary of space progress this year, but also laying out a sweeping plan for lofting Earth orbiting satellites for a multitude of duties, expanding its human spaceflight abilities, and carrying out a multi-step program of lunar exploration.

Luo Ge, Vice Administrator, China National Space Administration, spoke here today at the 22nd National Space Symposium (NSS).

“Generally speaking, in the coming five to eight years we will be launching about 100 satellites,” Luo told a standing room only audience here. Space technology is making its contribution to the economic and social development in China, he said.

Luo outlined an expansive roster of satellite projects, building upon 5 different operational systems already in service: telecommunications, meteorological, Earth remote sensing, as well as recoverable satellites and technology demonstration spacecraft.continue..