The space program of the People's Republic of China (PRC) began in 1968 and was an outgrowth of PRC's attempt to develop an indigenous nuclear deterrent and delivery system after the Sino-Soviet split in 1960. PRC's first satellite, Dong Fang Hong I (The East Is Red I), was launched in 1970. There were over 50 Dong Fang Hong satellites launched over the next 30 years. The manned space program began in 1968, and China became the third country to put a human in space in 2003. 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1968 calendar). ... All people of the world unite, to overthrow American imperialism, to overthrow Soviet revisionism, to overthrow the reactionaries of all nations! (Chinese propaganda poster, 1969) — bold text corresponds to blackened characters The Sino-Soviet split was a major diplomatic conflict between the Soviet Union and the Peoples Republic of... 1960 (MCMLX) was a leap year starting on Friday (link will take you to calendar). ... Dong Fang Hong I (东方红一号) was Chinas first successful space satellite, launched on April 24, 1970 as part of Chinas Dong Fang Hong space satellite program. ... The East Is Red (Chinese: 东方红; pinyin: ) is a song that was the de facto anthem of the Peoples Republic of China during the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s. ... 1970 (MCMLXX) was a common year starting on Thursday. ... Dong Fang Hong (东方红), meaning The East is Red, is a space satellite program for the Peoples Republic of China, which started in 1970. ... 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1968 calendar). ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

History and Recent Developments

Shenzhou 6 crew

Shenzhou 5 re-entry module

PRC's manned space program started as early as 1968, when it was founded by Tsien Hsue-Shen of the Space Flight Medical Research Centre. Project 714 aimed to put two astronauts into space by 1973 with the Shuguang-1 spacecraft. Nineteen PLAAF pilots were selected for this goal on March 1971. The Shuguang-1 spacecraft to be launched with the CZ-2A rocket was designed to carry a crew of two astronauts. The program was officially cancelled on May 13, 1972, for economic reasons. Image File history File links 1623535_726673. ... Image File history File links 1623535_726673. ... Shenzhou 6 (Chinese: 神舟六号) was the second human spaceflight of the Peoples Republic of China, launched on 12 October 2005 on a Long March rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. ... ImageMetadata File history File links Download high resolution version (957x1000, 251 KB) Description: Shenzhou 5 reentry module Source: http://zh. ... ImageMetadata File history File links Download high resolution version (957x1000, 251 KB) Description: Shenzhou 5 reentry module Source: http://zh. ... Shenzhou 5 (神舟五号) was the first manned space mission launched by the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) on October 15, 2003. ... 1968 (MCMLXVIII) was a leap year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1968 calendar). ... Tsien Hsue-shen Tsien Hsue-shen (Simplified: 钱学森; Traditional: 錢學森; Hanyu Pinyin: ; born December 11, 1911) is a scientist who was a major figure in the missile and space programs of both the United States and Peoples Republic of China (PRC). ... The Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) is the aviation branch of the Peoples Liberation Army, the military of the Peoples Republic of China. ...

In 1992, authorization and funding was given for Project 921, which was a plan to launch a manned spacecraft. The Shenzhou program had four unmanned test flights. The first one was Shenzhou 1 on November 20, 1999. On January 9, 2001 Shenzhou 2 launched carrying test animals. Shenzhou 3 and Shenzhou 4 were launched in 2002, carrying test dummies. Following these was the successful Shenzhou 5, China's first manned mission in space on October 15, 2003, carrying Yang Liwei. Shenzhou 6 followed two years later and at least two more Shenzhou missions are planned, and will include multiple astronauts (sometimes called taikonauts), space walks and docking. Missions are launched on the Long March 2F rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. 1992 (MCMXCII) was a leap year starting on Wednesday. ... Shenzhou (Chinese: 神舟; pinyin: Shénzhōu) is the name of a spacecraft from the Peoples Republic of China which first carried a Chinese astronaut into orbit in 2003. ... Crew none Mission Parameters Mass: 7,600 kg Perigee: 195 km Apogee: 315 km Inclination: 42. ... November 20 is the 324th day of the year (325th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1999 (MCMXCIX) was a common year starting on Friday, and was designated the International Year of Older Persons by the United Nations. ... January 9 is the 9th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2001: A Space Odyssey. ... Shenzhou 2 (Chinese: 神舟二号) launched on January 9, 2001, was the second unmanned launch of the Shenzhou spacecraft. ... Shenzhou 3 (Chinese: 神舟三号) launched on March 25, 2002, was the third unmanned launch of the Peoples Republic of Chinas Shenzhou spacecraft. ... Shenzhou 4 (Chinese: 神舟四号) launched on December 29, 2002, was the fourth unmanned launch of the Chinese Shenzhou spacecraft. ... 2002 (MMII) was a common year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Shenzhou 5 (神舟五号) was the first manned space mission launched by the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) on October 15, 2003. ... October 15 is the 288th day of the year (289th in Leap years). ... 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Dr. Yáng LìwÄ›i (Simplified Chinese: 杨利伟; Traditional Chinese: 楊利偉) (born June 21, 1965) is an astronaut (hangtianyuan) or Taikonaut (or yuhangyuans) and the Peoples Republic of Chinas first man in space. ... Shenzhou 6 (Chinese: 神舟六号) was the second human spaceflight of the Peoples Republic of China, launched on 12 October 2005 on a Long March rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. ... Shenzhou (Chinese: 神舟; pinyin: Shénzhōu) is the name of a spacecraft from the Peoples Republic of China which first carried a Chinese astronaut into orbit in 2003. ... U.S. Space Shuttle astronaut Bruce McCandless II using a manned maneuvering unit. ... The Long March family of rockets (長征火箭, Chang Zheng) is an expendable launch system designed and operated by the Peoples Republic of China. ... Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center (酒泉卫星发射中心) is a Peoples Republic of China space vehicle launch facility (spaceport) in the Gobi desert in Gansu Province located about 1,600 km from Beijing. ...

In February 2004, the PRC formally started the implementation phase of its unmanned Moon exploration project. According to Sun Laiyan, vice-administrator of the China National Space Administration, the project will involve three phases: orbiting the Moon; landing; and returning samples. The first phase will spend 1.4 billion renminbi (approx. US$170 million) to orbit a satellite around the Moon before 2007. Phase two involves a lander before 2010. Phase three involves collecting lunar soil samples before 2020. 2004 : January - February - March - April - May - June - July - August - September - October - November - December- → // February 29, 2004 Jean-Bertrand Aristide resigns as president of Haiti and flees the country for the Central African Republic. ... Crust composition Oxygen 43% Silicon 21% Aluminium 10% Calcium 9% Iron 9% Magnesium 5% Titanium 2% Nickel 0. ... Sun Laiyan (孙来燕, October 1957 in Beijing) is the Administrator of the China National Space Administration (CNSA). ... The China National Space Administration (中国国家航天局) is the civilian agency within the Peoples Republic of China which is responsible for national space policy within the space program of China. ... 100 Renminbi Yuan issued in 1999 Two Yuan bank notes dating 1926(bottom row), and 1936. ... 2007 (MMVII) is a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2010 (MMX) is a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2020 (MMXX) is a leap year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

On November 27, 2005, it was announced by the deputy commander of the manned spaceflight program that they planned to complete a space station and a manned mission to the Moon by 2020, assuming funding was approved by the government. Towards that end they intended to perfect space walking and docking by 2012. However, it seemed that funding for the necessary Chang Zheng 5 series of rockets was still waiting to be approved. November 27 is the 331st day (332nd on leap years) of the year. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2020 (MMXX) is a leap year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2012 (MMXII) is a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Designed and developed by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), Long March 5 (LM-5, CZ-5, or Chang Zheng 5) is Chinas next generation space launch vehicle family, which would include a range of classes of launch vehicles for different missions. ...

On December 14, 2005, it was reported "an effort to launch lunar orbiting satellites will be supplanted in 2007 by a program aimed at accomplishing an unmanned lunar landing. A program to return unmanned space vehicles from the moon will begin in 2012 and last for five years, until the manned program gets underway" in 2017, with a manned Moon landing some time after that. [1] December 14 is the 348th day of the year (349th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2007 (MMVII) is a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2012 (MMXII) is a leap year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... 2017 (MMXVII) is a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Organization

Initially the space program of the PRC was organized under the People's Liberation Army, particularly the Second Artillery Corps. However, the space program of the PRC was reorganized in the 1990s as part of a general reorganization of the defense industry of the PRC to make it resemble Western defense procurement. This article does not cite its references or sources. ...

The agency responsible for the launches is the China National Space Administration, an agency within the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense. The workhorse of the program is the Long March rocket which is produced by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology and satellites are produced by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. The latter organizations are state-owned enterprises; however it is the intent of the PRC government that they not actively be state managed and that they behave much as private corporations would in the West. The China National Space Administration (中国国家航天局) is the civilian agency within the Peoples Republic of China which is responsible for national space policy within the space program of China. ... The Commission for Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense or COSTIND is a civilian ministry within the State Council of the Peoples Republic of China, responsible for setting policy for defense procurement. ... The Long March family of rockets (長征火箭, Chang Zheng) is an expendable launch system operated by the Peoples Republic of China. ... The China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) (中国运载火箭技术研究院) is the premier space launch vehicle manufacturer in China and one of the major launch service providers in the world. ... The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) is the main contractor for the Chinese space program. ... A state-owned enterprise (SOE) is an enterprise, often a corporation, owned by a government. ...

The space program also has close links with Tsinghua University and Harbin Institute of Technology. Tsinghua University Tsinghua University (Simplified Chinese: 清华大学; Traditional Chinese: 清華大學; pinyin: ; Wade-Giles: Ching-hua Ta-hsüeh) is one of the most prestigious and selective universities in China. ... The Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) is a technical university in the city of Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China, similar to Georgia Tech or Carnegie Mellon in the United States. ...

Goals

PRC's space program has several goals. The China National Space Adminsitration policy white paper lists short term goals as:

• build a long term earth observation system
• set up an independent satellite telecommunications network
• establish an independent satellite navigation and positioning system
• provide commercial launch services
• set up a remote sensing system
• study space science such as microgravity, space materials, life sciences, and astronomy
• plan for exploration of the moon

Among their stated longer term goals are:

• improve their standing in the world of space science
• establish a manned space station.
• manned missions to the moon
• establish a manned lunar base.

Projects

Satellites and science

• Dong Fang Hong series of satellites
• Astrophysics research, with the launching of the world's largest Solar Space Telescope in 2008
• Deep space Tracking Network With the completion of the FAST, the world largest single dish Radio antenna of 500 m in Guizhou

Dong Fang Hong (东方红), meaning The East is Red, is a space satellite program for the Peoples Republic of China, which started in 1970. ... Spiral Galaxy ESO 269-57 Astrophysics is the branch of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including the physical properties (luminosity, density, temperature and chemical composition) of astronomical objects such as stars, galaxies, and the interstellar medium, as well as their interactions. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is a Leap year starting on Tuesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... A yagi antenna Most simply, an antenna is an electronic component designed to send or receive radio waves. ...

Launch vehicles

• Kaituozhe-1 New all-solid orbital launch vehicle
• Long March rockets (Chang Zheng 1 - 4)
• Chang Zheng 5 Second generation ELV with more efficient and non toxic propellents (25 tonnes in LEO)
• Chang Zheng 6 Second generation Heavy ELV for lunar and deepspace trajectory injection (70 tonnes in LEO)
• Hainan Spaceport Fourth and southernmost space center, manned grade, suited for the new CZ-5 Heavy ELV

The Kaitouzhe-1 or (KT-1) (Explorer-1 in English) is a Chinese commercial launch vehicle. ... The Long March family of rockets (長征火箭, Chang Zheng) is an expendable launch system operated by the Peoples Republic of China. ... Designed and developed by China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), Long March 5 (LM-5, CZ-5, or Chang Zheng 5) is Chinas next generation space launch vehicle family, which would include a range of classes of launch vehicles for different missions. ...

Space exploration

• Project 921-1 — Shenzhou spacecraft
• Project 921-2 — Chinese Space Lab and Chinese Permanent Space Station short term and then permanent occupation
• Project 921-3 Space Shuttle — Second generation manned spacecraft (This project appears to have been cancelled)
• Shenzhou Cargo — unmanned version of the Shenzhou spacecraft to resupply the Chinese Permanent Space Station
• First phase Chang'e lunar program — unmanned lunar exploration
• Second phase lunar program — first settlements and lunar resources exploitation
• Third phase lunar program — permanent lunar bases and full scale exploitation
• Deep space exploration — spacefaring through the entire Solar system
• Mars exploration — first with rover landers then with astronauts

Project 921-1 was the working name given by the Peoples Republic of China in 1992 for plans to launch a manned spaceflight. ... 1:40 scale model of Shenzhou 1 Shenzhou (Chinese: 神舟; Pinyin: ) is the name of a spacecraft from the Peoples Republic of China which first carried a Chinese astronaut into orbit on October 15, 2003. ... The first model of a planned Chinese space station, unveiled in 2000 Project 921-2 is the working name given by the Peoples Republic of China in 1992 for plans to create a manned space station. ... The Space Shuttle Columbia seconds after engine ignition, 1981 (NASA). ... Change 1 Change (Chinese: 嫦娥工程; Pinyin: ) is a program of unmanned missions to the Moon by China announced in 2003, named for the Chinese moon goddess Change. ... Presentation of the solar system (not to scale) The solar system comprises our Sun and the retinue of celestial objects gravitationally bound to it. ... Computer generated image of one of the two Mars Exploration Rovers which touched down on Mars in 2004. ...

Astronauts

PRC's first astronauts selection for the Project 714:

The selection process was completed on March 15, 1971, with 19 selected PLAAF pilots.

• Chai Hongliang
• Dong Xiaohai
• Du Jincheng
• Fang Guojun
• Hu Zhanzi
• Li Shichang
• Liu Chongfu
• Liu Zhongyi
• Lu Xiangxiao
• Ma Zizhong
• Meng Senlin
• Shao Zhijian
• Wang Fuhe
• Wang Fuquan
• Wang Quanbo
• Wang Rongsen
• Wang Zhiyue
• Yu Guilin
• Zhang Ruxiang

PRC's 1996 Selection Group:

Two astronauts selected for the Project 921, trained at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Russia to later return to the PRC as astronauts trainers.

• Li Qinglong - born August 1962 in Dingyuan, Anhui Province and PLAAF interceptor pilot and space instructor at Star City; selected November 19, 1996
• Wu Jie

Only a few astronauts have been in space: Li Qinglong (born August 1962) is a Chinese astronaut selected as part of the Shenzhou program. ... 1962 (MCMLXII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will take you to calendar). ... November 19 is the 323rd day of the year (324th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1996 (MCMXCVI) is a leap year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year for the Eradication of Poverty. ... Wu Jie (born August 1963) is a Chinese astronaut selected as part of the Shenzhou program. ...

• Fèi Jùnlóng - Chinese astronaut (yuhangyuan) detachment January 1998
• Niè Hǎishèng - first Chinese astronaut (yuhangyuan) detachment and back up in Shenzhou 5
• Yáng Lìwěi - first Chinese astronaut (yuhangyuan) detachment

The remainder await their turn: Colonel Fèi Jùnlóng (Simplified Chinese: 费俊龙; Traditional Chinese: 費俊龍) (born 1965) is the second Chinese Taikonaut (or yuhangyuans) to fly into space as part of the Shenzhou program. ... Look up January in Wiktionary, the free dictionary January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1998 (MCMXCVIII) is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year of the Ocean. ... Nie Haisheng (Simplified Chinese: 聂海胜; Traditional Chinese: 聶海勝) (born October 13, 1964) is a Chinese astronaut selected as part of the Shenzhou program. ... Shenzhou 5 (神舟五号) was the first manned space mission launched by the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) on October 15, 2003. ... Dr. Yáng Lìwěi (Simplified Chinese: 杨利伟; Traditional Chinese: 楊利偉) (born June 21, 1965) is an astronaut (hangtianyuan) or Taikonaut (or yuhangyuans) and the Peoples Republic of Chinas first man in space. ...

• Zhai Zhigang - first Chinese astronaut (yuhangyuan) detachment and back up in Shenzhou 5
• Chen Quan - selected in January 1998
• Deng Qingming - from Jiangxi Province and PLAAF pilot; selected in January 1998
• Jing Haipeng - born October 1966 and PLAAF pilot; selected in January 1998
• Liu Buoming - born September 1966 and PLAAF pilot; selected in January 1998
• Liu Wang - born in Shanxi Province and PLAFF pilot; selected in January 1998
• Pan Zhanchun - PLAAF pilot; selected in January 1998
• Zhang Xiaoguan - born in Liaoning Province and PLAAF pilot; selected in January 1998
• Zhao Chuandong - PLAAF pilot; selected in January 1998

Zhai Zhigang (Chinese: 翟志刚) (born 10 October 1966) is a Chinese astronaut (or yuhangyuans) selected as part of the Shenzhou program. ... Shenzhou 5 (神舟五号) was the first manned space mission launched by the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) on October 15, 2003. ... Chen Quan (Chinese: 陈權) is a Chinese astronaut selected as part of the Shenzhou program. ... Look up January in Wiktionary, the free dictionary January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1998 (MCMXCVIII) is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year of the Ocean. ... Deng Qingming (Chinese: 邓清明) is a Chinese astronaut selected as part of the Shenzhou program. ... Look up January in Wiktionary, the free dictionary January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1998 (MCMXCVIII) is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year of the Ocean. ... Jing Haipeng is a Chinese astronaut selected as part of the Shenzhou program. ... 1966 (MCMLXVI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link goes to calendar) // Events January January 1 - In a coup, Colonel Jean-Bédel Bokassa ousts president David Dacko and takes over the Central African Republic. ... Look up January in Wiktionary, the free dictionary January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1998 (MCMXCVIII) is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year of the Ocean. ... Liu Buoming is a Chinese astronaut selected as part of the Shenzhou program. ... 1966 (MCMLXVI) was a common year starting on Saturday (link goes to calendar) // Events January January 1 - In a coup, Colonel Jean-Bédel Bokassa ousts president David Dacko and takes over the Central African Republic. ... Look up January in Wiktionary, the free dictionary January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1998 (MCMXCVIII) is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year of the Ocean. ... Liu Wang (born 1970) is a Chinese astronaut selected as part of the Shenzhou program. ... Look up January in Wiktionary, the free dictionary January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1998 (MCMXCVIII) is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year of the Ocean. ... Pan Zhanchun is a Chinese astronaut selected as part of the Shenzhou program. ... Look up January in Wiktionary, the free dictionary January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1998 (MCMXCVIII) is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year of the Ocean. ... Zhang Xiaoguan is a Chinese astronaut selected as part of the Shenzhou program. ... Look up January in Wiktionary, the free dictionary January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1998 (MCMXCVIII) is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year of the Ocean. ... Zhao Chuandong is a Chinese astronaut selected as part of the Shenzhou program. ... Look up January in Wiktionary, the free dictionary January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days. ... 1998 (MCMXCVIII) is a common year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar, and was designated the International Year of the Ocean. ...

See Also

• Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics

This article needs a complete rewrite for the reasons listed on the talk page. ...

External links

• US Senate testimony by James Oberg on Chinese space program
• Excerpts from Senate Q&A period on Chinese space program
• Dragon Space - China's civilian, military and manned space programs
• China National Space Adminsitration policy white paper
• Taikonaut facts