China Space Conference.
People's Republic of China (PRC)'s space industry began in 1956. China launched its first artificial earth satellite 1970 on April 24th (see "Dongfanghong 1"), which is the fifth country in the world that can independently launch artificial satellites after the Soviet Union, the United States, France and Japan.
The purpose of China's space development is to explore outer space and expand the understanding of the earth and the universe; Peaceful use of outer space, promoting human civilization and social progress, and benefiting all mankind; Adapt to the needs of economic construction, scientific and technological development, national security and social progress, improve the scientific quality of the whole people, safeguard national rights and interests, and enhance comprehensive national strength.
In developing the space industry, China implements the guiding principles of national scientific and technological development, namely, independent innovation, key leapfrogging, supporting development and leading the future.
The Eleventh Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development and the Outline of the National Medium-and Long-Term Scientific and Technological Development Plan (2006-2020) formulated by the China Municipal Government put the development of space industry in an important position. The China Municipal Government has formulated a new development plan for the space industry, and defined the development goals and main tasks for the next five years and beyond.
According to this development plan, the state will launch and continue to implement major special projects of space science and technology, such as manned spaceflight, lunar exploration, high-resolution Earth observation system and a new generation of launch vehicles, and a number of priority projects in key areas, strengthen basic research, deploy and develop some cutting-edge technologies in the space field in advance, and accelerate the progress and innovation of space science and technology.