Published : 22/11/2024

On November 22, 2000, China released its first white paper on aerospace development, "China's Space Program: A 2021 Perspective".

The White Paper briefly introduces the principles and purposes of China's space development, its current status, future development, and international cooperation.

It also for the first time proposes the concept of "Big Space," covering the three major areas of space technology, space applications, and space science.

The White Paper also states that the Chinese government has always considered the space industry as an important part of its overall national development strategy, and it adheres to the exploration and utilisation of outer space for peaceful purposes in order to benefit all humankind.

According to the White Paper, the purpose of the development of China's space industry is to explore outer space, expand the understanding of the universe and the Earth; China aims to use outer space peacefully, promote human civilisation and social development, and benefit all humankind.

It is also China's purpose to meet the growing needs of economic construction, national security, scientific and technological development, to safeguard national interests, and to enhance comprehensive national strength.

The White Paper also mentions China's future development goals in space, with short-term goals (next 10 years or slightly later) including the establishment of an independent satellite navigation and positioning system and the realisation of manned space flight.

In the long term (the next 20 years or slightly later), it aims to achieve the industrialisation and marketisation of space technology and applications, and to establish a Chinese manned space system.