The Change Mariner

New monthly record set in China space launches

ChinaView:
China's record space launches from Oct. 15 to Nov. 15 indicate the nation's improved capability in technological development and manufacturing in the space field and space project management, a senior space expert said Monday.

Zhang Qingwei, general manager of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp., the manufacturer of the country's Long March carrier rockets and spacecraft, said his corporation had successfully launched the Shenzhou-5 manned spacecraft and four satellites in the period.

Zhang said the launches represented a record high in a month both in the number of launches and the rate of successful launches.

China's first manned spacecraft was rocketed into space on Oct.15 and returned to the Earth safely the next day.