Wed, September 17, 2008
CHINA'S space program will give priority to a manned space flight and lunar exploration, according to its 11th Five Year Plan.
The Commission of Science Technology and Industry for National Defense published the plan on its Website today after getting approval from the State Council.
At least one astronaut will walk in the space by 2010, according to the plan.
China's third manned space shuttle Shenzhou VII is scheduled to carry three astronauts into orbit next year, earlier reports said.
The country also plans to set up a lab in the space to further develop its space projects, the plan said.
China will launch its first lunar satellite, named "Chang'e I" after the legendary Chinese goddess who flew to the moon, next week from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province.
The plan also includes enhancing the country's ability to create high-quality space products with a long lifespan.
The country will set up a permanent and stable Earth observation system, a satellite communication broadcasting system and a navigation system by 2010, the plan said.
It will promote industrialization of space technologies and attach great importance to the development of telecommunication, navigation and remote sensing satellites.
