17 August 2019
China's new carrier rocket Smart Dragon 1 (SD-1), designed for commercial use, made its maiden flight on 17 August, sending three satellites into planned orbit.
The rocket, developed by the China Rocket Co. Ltd. affiliated to the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALVT), blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 12:11 h (Beijing Time). The three satellites, respectively developed by three Beijing-based companies, will be used for remote sensing services, communication and Internet of Things.
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with photos and launch video

17 August 2019
Five leading scientists shared their stories and passion about China's development at a forum held on 16 August to mark the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. Ouyang Ziyuan, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and first Chief Scientist of China's lunar probe project, told the forum that it is the mission for scientists of every generation to contribute to the country's development. He called on 91 million people working at the scientific and technological front to strive to enhance the country's scientific and technological strength.
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20 August 2019
Liu Yang, China's first female astronaut in space, and her colleague Chen Dong arrived in Namibia's port town of Walvis Bay on 19 August, starting their five-day visit to the southern African nation at the invitation of President Hage Geingob.
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Liu Yang and Chen Dong will visit Namibia next week
17 August 2019
Liu Yang, Chinese first ever female astronaut in space, and another astronaut Chen Dong will visit Namibia from August 19 to 23, according to statement released by Chinese Embassy in Namibia on 15 August. The statement said the visit aims to respond to the kind invitation of Namibian President Hage Geingob and to enhance communication and cooperation on astronautics between China and Namibia. During his state visit to China last year, Geingob visited China Space Center, interacted with 3 Chinese astronauts, and invited Chinese astronauts to visit Namibia.
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20 August 2019
More than 243,100 Chinese people have signed up for a NASA mission to Mars, but only their names will get the chance to travel to the Red Planet. The project has attracted more than 8.53 million submissions from around the world since it was launched in May, and NASA expects the mission will get underway in 2020. Applications are being taken on NASA's website until the end of September and those who sign up will have their names stenciled on silicon chips that will journey to Mars. People can also print off a boarding pass.
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