China is preparing to launch the Shenzhou-20 manned spacecraft at 5:17 pm on April 24 (Beijing Time), a fitting tribute to the 10th Space Day of China.
Since the 1950s, China's space program has made remarkable progress.
Here are four major milestones in its space odyssey:1.
Dongfanghong-1 China's first satellite (1970)On April 24, 1970, China launched its first satellite, Dongfanghong-1, becoming the fifth nation to independently send a satellite into space.
This historic moment marked China's official entry into the space age and laid the foundation for future space exploration.2.
Shenzhou-5 China's first manned space flight (2003)On October 15, 2003, Yang Liwei became the first Chinese astronaut to enter space aboard the Shenzhou-5 spacecraft.
With this achievement, China became the third country to independently master human spaceflight technology a significant leap in its aerospace capabilities.On October 24, 2007, China launched the Chang'e-1 lunar probe.
/VCGOn October 24, 2007, China launched the Chang'e-1 lunar probe.
/VCG3.
Chang'e-1 China's first lunar probe (2007)Launched on October 24, 2007, Chang'e-1 was China's first lunar probe, opening a new chapter in space exploration.
Its successful orbit around the Moon made China the fifth nation to complete a lunar mission.A graphic shows Tiangong-2 in space.
/ICA graphic shows Tiangong-2 in space.
/IC4.
Tiangong-2 China's first true space lab (2016)On September 15, 2016, China launched its first true space laboratory, Tiangong-2, marking a major step toward the construction of China's own space station.As China's space exploration continues, it inspires future generations to keep reaching for the stars.