Shenzhou-11 launch heralds grand prospects for future space travel

The launch of China’s manned spacecraft on Oct. 17 marks a new beginning for the country’s space program. With the planned establishment of China’s space station, even tourists may have the chance to go into outer space in the future, a Chinese official said.

The Shenzhou-11 manned spacecraft was successfully launched on Oct. 17, sending two astronauts into space to carry out a series of experiments over the course of 30 days.

“As a new beginning [for China’s space industry], Shenzhou-11 marks the imminent end of the exploratory stage of China’s manned space program. With the establishment of the country’s space station, which is expected around 2020, China will begin to carry out manned space missions on a regular basis, with spacecraft launched several times a year instead of once every several years,” said Zhang Yulin, deputy commander-in-chief of China’s manned space program, during an interview with the Xinhua News Agency on Oct. 16.

After more than 20 years of development of manned space technology, China has succeeded in promoting the overall development of its science and technology sector.

“Manned space technologies are key factors for stimulating the development of science in China, so as to promote national rejuvenation and prosperity. Though it’s undeniable that there is still a gap between China and developed countries when it comes to aerospace,” Zhang said.

“From Shenzhou-5 to Shenzhou-10, China’s former manned spacecraft only just began the outer space journey for Chinese nationals. What’s more, the range of our outer space activities has previously been limited to Low Earth Orbit. But with the fast development of manned space technologies, Chinese astronauts will go further in the future,” Zhang noted.

(PEOPLE'S DAILY ONLINE)