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China excels in satellite launches
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CHINA witnessed rapid space technology progress during the Ninth Five-year Plan period (1996-2000), and plans to launch 30 satellites of various types in the coming five years, said a leading space scientist.
Xu Fuxiang, president of the Chinese Academy of Space Technology (CAST), said 11 satellites and one "Shenzhou" experimental spacecraft were developed and launched, achieving a success rate of 100 per cent in both launching and aviating.
Xu also said that the experimental spacecraft and six out of the 11 satellites were successfully launched at the first attempt.
By the end of last year, China had successfully developed and launched 48 satellites, with a success rate of 90 per cent.
At present, four satellite series have been formed, with two others being developed. Over 90 per cent of return satellites have been recovered successfully, which is up with the top level in the world.
Xu Fuxiang expressed confidence in and optimism about the future of Chinese satellite research.
(Xinhua)
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