China's manned space experts say the country's orbital base is set to open its laboratory doors wider than ever before. From fundamental mysteries like the origin of life to cutting-edge material science, the space station aims to fuel discoveries that benefit all humanity.
At a recent State Council Information Office briefing, Li Yingliang, director of the general technology department at the China Manned Space Agency, highlighted the station's role in driving next-level research: "Our space station will probe questions about life's beginnings, the universe's evolution and the structure of matter," he said. "This platform will accelerate human space science, technology development and real-world applications."
On the ground—and above it—China is also enhancing the backbone that keeps missions running. Sun Wei, the manned program's deputy chief designer for landing site systems, explained that new telemetry, tracking and command (TT&C) stations, alongside dedicated satellites, are expanding the network of resources available for human spaceflight.
Sun added, "By standardizing and internationalizing our TT&C capabilities, we're building the infrastructure for more seamless global cooperation in space activities." China's engagement with organizations like the International Telecommunication Union and the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems underlines its growing role in setting orbit-wide standards.
Veteran astronaut Fei Junlong—commander of Shenzhou-6 and Shenzhou-15—reflected on the universal view from space: "Every time I looked back at Earth through my spacecraft window, I saw our common home. I believe my international counterparts feel the same." He extended an open invitation for astronauts worldwide to visit China's space station and join in humanity's shared mission in the stars.
Reference(s):
China's space program provides larger platform for intl cooperation
cgtn.com
