The 50th anniversary of two space technology research
institutions of China was marked at the Great Hall of the
People?on Friday.
Founded on Nov. 16, 1957, the first research institution of
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has
developed ten of the Long March series carrier rockets, which have
successfully launched the country's first satellite, Shenzhou
spacecrafts, and Chang'e-1 lunar probe into space.
The second research institution of China Aerospace Science and
Industry Corporation (CASIC), which was also founded on Nov. 16,
1957, has contributed to the country's research on defensive
technology.
The two institutions have trained a lot of space scientists in
the past 50 years.
Top legislator Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao, Vice-President
Zeng Qinghong and other leaders sent their congratulatory letters
to the meeting.
Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan attended the meeting and made a
speech.
The two institutions have made significant contribution to the
national defense and economic and social development, and they
should work harder to make greater achievement, the vice premier
said.
(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2007)