Ten astronauts from six countries have gathered in Beijing to
share with Chinese scientists and students their experiences in
space and views of moon exploration.
They are attending the 16th Human in Space Symposium of
International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) in the capital,
together with some 200 international astronautics scientists and
experts.
"There are many beautiful tales about the moon in Chinese
literature. It carries a special significance for us," said Yang
Liwei, China's first astronaut, in an interactive panel meeting
with students.
"Building a lunar base can not only expand our knowledge about
the moon, but mark a crucial step to realize a flight to Mars or
farther planets."
Since US astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin touched down
on the lunar surface in 1969, 12 have successfully landed on the
moon.
China announced a moon exploration program four years ago, and
plans to launch an orbiter by the end of this year.
Leroy Chiao, the first American-Chinese mission commander to the
International Space Station, added that international cooperation,
including China, would be the best solution to explore the
moon.
"I hope the (international) climate will improve (in this
respect), and the US and China can develop a cooperative
relationship with each other (in space exploration)," Chiao
said.
Most of these astronauts also talked online with Chinese
Internet surfers or face to face with high school students
yesterday afternoon.
Expected to conclude on May 24, the ongoing symposium is
discussing a wide range of topics related to space flight.
(China Daily May 22, 2007)