Beijing, November 20 (IANS). 25 years ago i.e. on 20 November 1999, China successfully launched its first unmanned spacecraft Shenchou-1 from the Sichuan Satellite Launch Center. So far, China has launched 19 Shenzhou spacecraft, carrying 24 astronauts into space 38 times on 14 spacecraft. China has completed this journey in just a few years, which took developed countries 30 to 40 years to complete.
On November 20, Shenzhou-19 astronauts working on China’s space station recorded a blessing video to greet the older generation of astronauts. Astronaut Chai Xiuche said that 25 years ago today, China’s first unmanned spacecraft was successfully launched from the Chuchuquan Satellite Launch Center. With this, China’s manned space flight took the first step from blueprinting to realizing the dream and laid a strong foundation for realizing the Chinese nation’s millennium dream of flying into space.
Astronaut Song Lingtong said that over the past 25 years, Chinese astronauts from generation to generation have worked hard, living on self-reliance with confidence. They have repeatedly set new heights for Chinese space exploration, successfully completed three-phase strategic missions, and carved out China’s special place in the field of space travel. In the vast universe he wrote a brilliant chapter on achieving the Chinese dream.
Astronaut Wang Haoche said that the starry sky is extremely vast and exploration will never end. Space exploration is a great achievement in human history, an endless expedition. As Chinese astronauts in the new era, they will strive to strengthen the country and fulfill the historic mission of their generation.
(Courtesy- China Media Group, Beijing)
–IANS
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