China
Scientists: 2008 to be big year for China´s space industry
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Source: CCTV.com | 12-14-2007 08:28
Special Report: Chang'e I -Journey to the MoonThe scientists behind the Chang'e One lunar probe project are already looking to the future. They say 2008 will be a big year for China's space industry. Various projects include research on the new generation of carrier rockets.
Long March carrier rockets have been used in 104 launchings, at a success rate of over 90 percent.
With new technologies emerging, the new generation of carrier rockets is expected to usher in even more successes. Scientists say the project will finish its research stage by the end of 2008, and then enter the manufacturing stage.
Ma Xingrui, general manager of China Aerospace Science & Technology Corp., said, "Work on the new generation of carrier rockets is progressing well. We've made great advancements in research on two major engines. Things are moving along just as planned. "
The new generation of carrier rockets will be completely "green", leaving no pollutants in space.
Scientists say the new launching vehicles will bring China's space capability to a new level. They say the rockets remain significant to the country's space industry for the following thirty to fifty years.
Editor:Zhang Ning