The former president of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology has been investigated for corruption by judicial departments, the China Times quoted an anonymous academy source as saying yesterday.

Li Jianzhong, 68, who was also chairman of the Long March Launch Vehicle Technology Co Ltd, is alleged to have been linked with corruption involving more than 2 million yuan (US$240,000), a vice-president of the academy told the Beijing-based newspaper.

The academy was responsible for research involving the Shenzhou V spacecraft that sent China's first astronaut, Yang Liwei, into space in 2003. Preparations are currently being made for the launch of the Shenzhou VI spacecraft.

The vice-president said that the alleged bribe-taking involved Li alone, had no bearing on funds for scientific research and did not affect the quality of the Shenzhou V spacecraft.

"Li's case will not have an impact on ongoing research?on Shenzhou VI," he told the newspaper.

Li led his academy to success with the Long March Series of rockets after he took up his post in 1991.

(China Daily April 13, 2005)