Need of Global Space Cooperation
Shahid Afraz Khan ,Beijing
In recent years, China has asserted its importance as a leading country in the field of global aerospace, and the world recognizes China’s role in the field of aerospace technology. A brief look at China’s achievements in aerospace reveals that China’s first astronaut arrived in space in 2003. Since then, China’s manned space research and development has spanned twenty years. Numerous Chinese space missions have been successfully completed. In addition to the development of manned space technology, in the last few years Chinese detectors have successfully landed on the surface of the moon and Mars, the global satellite navigation system has been built and even research efforts on the sun have begun. China’s development in the space sector is a manifestation of scientific and technological advancement, from the governmental level to the individual level.
More fruits of China’s efforts in aerospace have only recently been seen when the three astronauts from the Chinese manned space mission Shenzhou-13 successfully returned to the Earth. The three Chinese astronauts completed their six-month space journey and added another milestone in the field of space research & development. During this time, the astronauts walked twice in a row in outer space and performed numerous scientific and technological experiments, such as docking and transferring modules with the help of a robotic arm, which helped the astronauts to stay longer.
In addition, key technologies such as security, space delivery, outboard activities, extracurricular operations, and orbit maintenance have been implemented. The overall success of the Shenzhou-13 manned space mission also marks the successful completion of the key technology verification phase for the construction of China’s space station.
It is good that China’s top leadership is taking a personal interest in the aerospace sector and it has always been given prominence. Recently on Chinese Youth Day President Xi Jinping encouraged youth in the aerospace sector to contribute more to China’s realization of greater self-reliance in aerospace science and technology. He underscored China’s achievements in aerospace science such as the space station Tiangong, BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, Mars probe Tianwen and the Xihe satellite. Highlighting continuous efforts of generations in building China into a space power, he called on the youth to have the courage in making innovations and achieving breakthroughs in the area. He added that over the past nine years, China’s space industry has been making new history with a large number of young people demonstrating the enterprising spirit of Chinese youth in the new era.
Xi Jinping always highlighted the crucial role of innovation in the country’s overall development and called for accelerated efforts in building China into a strong nation in science and technology and achieving sci-tech self-reliance, including aerospace.
It is noteworthy that in just a few decades, China has developed a highly efficient and sophisticated aerospace system that has provided impetus to China’s socio-economic development. China’s remarkable achievements in the field of aerospace technology can be attributed to its strong leadership and excellent policy making, implementation and testing, and strong innovative adaptive system. As a result of these efforts, China today is one of the leading countries in the world of aerospace. China has always promoted the peaceful use of space in the spirit of benefiting all mankind, and in this regard, exchanges and cooperation with other countries are being further enhanced.
Proof of this is that China has selected dozens of projects submitted by 17 countries for space research. Best of all, China is also cooperating with Pakistan in space experiments on the space station. Chinese President Xi Jinping has always expressed his determination that China is ready to cooperate with the international community in space exploration and development so that the achievements of space research can contribute to a better future for mankind.