In 1961 Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin orbited Earth and began the era of manned space flight. Manned space activities have since diverged into two tracks: space exploration, such as the Apollo program; and scientific research in space, such as Mir and the International Space Station (ISS). Both tracks are deeply rooted in the principle of international cooperation, bringing together the world’s brightest and the best science and technology.
China was not involved in those early space missions. But in recent years its space science, space technology and space utilisation have rapidly developed. China is now in the process of building its own space station.
The assembly of the main body of the China Space Station (CSS) will be completed later in 2022, making the CSS fully operational. Research on the CSS is planned in four areas: space life science and human research; microgravity physical science; astronomy and earth science; and new space technology demonstration. These categories cover dozens of research disciplines. More than 1000 experiments are now jostling for an opportunity to board the CSS.
