China's third batch of astronauts to involve scientists
28 May 2020
Scientists will be included among China's third batch of astronauts as the country opens up its space program to a wider range of talents, Zhou Jianping, Chief Designer of China's manned space programme, said in Beijing on 26 May. The selection will be completed around July, added Zhou in an online interview on the sidelines of the third session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative
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Items sent into space on new craft returned to owners
29 May 2020
Chinese engineers opened the re-entry module of the prototype of China's new-generation manned spacecraft that returned to Earth earlier this month, distributing items inside it to their owners. Nearly 100 items, ranging from test equipment and experimental devices to cultural products, were sent into space inside the module. Dozens of items carried by the re-entry module were delivered to related parties at a ceremony on 29 May afternoon at the China Academy of Space Technology in Beijing - nationals flags of Pakistan and Argentina were given to diplomats from the two countries; a 3D printer was handed over to the Chinese Academy of Sciences; plant seeds were returned to researchers from several provinces; and scientific experimental equipment were delivered to their developers.
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China launches two new technology experiment satellites
30 May 2020
On 30 May at 04:13 BJT (29 May, 20:13 UTC), the Long March 11 launched from Xichang Satellite Launch Centre two technology test satellites "G" and "H". The satellites successfully entered the planned orbit. The new technology test satellites G and H are mainly used for in-orbit testing of new Earth observation technology. The mission is the 332th flight of the Long March series, and it was also the first time that the long Chang Zheng 11 was launched from Xichang.
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footage from the launch and the mission control and operations centre - or here
China’s Cislunar Space Ambitions Draw Scrutiny
29 May 2020
Mandy Mayfield is looking for National Defence Magazine at the different evaluations of China's lunar ambitions by US analysts: "Some members of the space community are sounding the alarm as China indicates it may seek to establish a commanding position in cislunar space, to include the area near the Moon’s orbit. Experts say China’s ambitious plans raise important questions about the national security implications of cislunar space..." Mandy Mayfield is asking Rep. Doug Lamborn, Brian Weeden and Dean Cheng to explain their views on the topic.
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