A manned spaceflight and moon exploration; Independent development of HXMT; Launch recoverable space science experimental satellite; Participate in the Sino-Russia Mars space exploration program; Do more research into key technologies for space solar telescope; Begin key scientific and technical research into space science

The China Commission of Science Technology and Industry for National Defense recently released the Space Science Development Plan for the 11th Five-Year Plan, in which it outlined its blueprint for the development of China's space science program. According to the plan, China will continue to work on major space projects such as a manned spaceflight, moon exploration, space HXMT, and a recoverable space science experimental satellite.

The plan outlines six goals in space science development during the 11th Five-Year Plan: firstly, it will implement medium and long-term scientific and technological development programs for a manned spaceflight and exploration of the moon. Chinese aircraft will begin circling the moon this year, so as to obtain three-dimensional images of the moon's surface and begin analysis and content studies. China plans to land and begin an automatic inspection of the moon before 2012, returning to earth by 2017.

Secondly, it plans to independently develop a Hard X-ray Modulation Telescope (HXMT), which would be a major development for China. The country aims to make breakthroughs in the field of black hole physics research and plans to launch its HXMT in 2010.

Thirdly, it plans to launch "Practice-10" recoverable space science experimental satellite and begin experimenting in microgravity science and space life science.

Fourthly, it will take full advantage of international cooperation in space science and participate in the Sino-Russia Mars space exploration program, the World Space Observatory�CUltraviolet (WSO/UV), and the Sino-France Solar Burst Probe Small Satellite Project.

China will also do more research into key technologies for space solar telescopes and begin preliminary research for the Kua Fu Project.

Finally, it will continue research into key space science technologies.

During the 11th Five-Year Plan period, China will research and explore three main areas; space astronomy and solar physics, space physics and solar system exploration, and, microgravity science and space life science.

By People's Daily Online