Satellite systems are listed in the national development strategies, said Li Zuhong, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Space Technology.

The satellite industry has to meet the demands from economic development and to prepare for entering the world market, Li said.

“In order to reach this goal, we must accomplish batch production of application satellites in a fast, excellent and economical method, he said.

At the same time, China will speed up the production of the large-capacity communication and broadcasting satellites, he noted.

Within 10 years, an Earth observation system, including meteorological observation, resource exploration and disaster monitoring, will be established, based on the advanced small-satellite platform, inter-satellite link technology and constellation network technology, according to Li.

A scientific and technical experimental satellite system will be established to provide flight-test conditions and accelerate the applications of new satellite technology, according to Li.

Zhou Zhicheng, a researcher from CAST’s Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering, said that in China, a satellite is not just the symbol of the national status or the product used for experiment of new technology, but should be a durable and reliable commodity.

(Shanghai Daily 10/17/2000)