Persistent innovation pays off

Chen Luojing, a designer with the China Academy of Space Technology, is surprised by people’s enthusiasm for the nation’s space programs.

In a display during the 19th China National Science and Technology Week in May, an event designed to popularize science, hordes of visitors examined a model of Yutu 2, a lunar probe developed by Chen’s academy.

“They were very interested in how Yutu 2 works on the far side of the moon. One visitor even asked me how the Queqiao relay satellite sets the communication link between Earth and the probe,” Chen said.

In recent years, China has made great progress in science and technology; from probing space to exploring the deep oceans, from observing the universe to researching microparticles. Advances have fueled the public’s enthusiasm for science.

More than 310 million visits were paid to over 21,000 science popularization events during science and technology week. “It is inspiring to learn about new technologies so closely,” said a visiting middle school student.

Yutu 2 has driven more than 200 meters on the far side of the moon to conduct research, and is reported to have found materials deep inside the moon’s surface that could help unravel the mystery of the composition of the lunar mantle. The research has been published online by the academic journal Nature.

On Dec 8, China launched the Chang’e 4 probe. Its lander and Yutu 2 made the first softlanding on the far side of the moon on Jan 3.

Since the launch of its first satellite in 1970, China has achieved one feat after another in space.

In 2003, Yang Liwei became the first Chinese in space when he blasted off in the Shenzhou V craft.

Meanwhile, the country has placed two space labs into orbit. Tiangong II, the second, accommodated two astronauts for 30 days and hosted a series of cutting-edge experiments, such as quantum key distribution and observation of a gamma ray burst.

Now, China is building its own space station, which is expected to be operational sometime around 2022. To lay the groundwork for its construction, the nation will conduct tests and exercises by the end of this year to prepare for the maiden flight of the Long March 5B rocket, according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp.

The country also has a busy schedule for other space activities. It will send more than 50 craft into space via 30-plus launches this year, including the launch of the Long March 5 carrier rocket and the Chang’e 5 lunar probe.