China plans to realize space-walking, spacecraft rendezvous and
docking and set up a space laboratory, according to a blueprint
approved by the State Council.
Meanwhile, the government would also give priority to developing
a satellite, aircraft and stratosphere airship-based high
definition earth observation system, said a senior official with
the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National
Defence.
The blueprint, framed by the commission, is the 11th five-year
(2006-2010) plan for space development.
The blueprint said China would improve its Compass navigation
system, according to the official.
The system, based on plans to launch five geostationary earth
orbit satellites and 30 medium earth orbit satellites, is aimed at
providing navigation and positioning services in transportation,
meteorology, petroleum prospecting, forest fire monitoring,
disaster forecasting, telecommunications and public security.
Apart from launching the country's first moon orbiter, China
would also study the second and third stages of its lunar
exploration projects, the official said.
China was making final preparations for the launch of its first
moon orbiter at the end of October, Zhang Qingwei, minister in
charge of the commission, said on Tuesday.
Advanced cameras and X-ray spectrometers have been installed in
the orbiter for mapping three-dimensional images of the lunar
surface, analyzing dust, and studying the space environment between
the Earth and the moon.
The next step in the ambitious mission is to launch a
recoverable moon vehicle, he said.
(Xinhua News Agency October 19, 2007)