When Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space, Yang Liwei hadn't even been born. Liwei was China's first man into orbit in 2003. China then followed with a number of space projects. The country’s space progress has aroused the world's attention.

Yang Liwei, China's first astronaut said "The courageous spirit of Gagarin has inspired people working in the space industry to further explore the universe. He is responsible for more people learning about outer space."

Chinese scientists started assembling the moon probe at the end of 2009. The lunar project is another monumental event for China’s space program. The equipment and payloads have various scientific objectives. China has also established an advanced tracking and control system.

Zhang Zhenpeng, Senior Fro. of Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics said "I think the weakest point of China's space program is its hardware facilities. For example, the space program requires extremely high standards of material. But China’s key materials, high-tech production as well as some electric components are still lagging behind.”

Professor Zhang Zhenpeng points out that China has reached the world’s top level in regard to space theory research, satellite orbit calculation and tracking. But the hardware improvement will decide the distance with the developed nations.

The Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, where Zheng Zhenpeng works, is just one of the cradles for China’s space programs.

Zhu Hao, Student of Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics said "The space industry represents a combination of the most advanced technologies on earth. It will boost the overall development of the nation."

Wu Junfeng, Student of Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics said "Space programs are risky, but it's all worth the sacrifice. We can learn from failures."

Here at the Beijing Aerospace Control and Command Center, scientists are testing China’s first space laboratory, Tiangong One. It’s expected to be launched later this year.

Senior Engineer Xi Luhua explained the graphics on the big screen represent the three-dimensional movements of Tiangong One. Tiangong One will be the basis for China’s manned space station in the near future.

This year will also see the launch of the Shenzhou Eight spacecraft. It will dock automatically with Tiangong One in orbit to test rendezvous and docking operations.

Xi Luhua, Senior Engineer of Beijing Aerospace Control, Command Center said "Tiangong One will be another leap forward for China’s space technology. The key is to test the rendezvous and docking. Like all the previous space missions, it will be another challenge for us. "

Chang’e Two will help China set up a lunar base. But the country’s big dream is to go beyond the moon to Mars and Venus.

China started its space program rather late. But over the past decade, it’s been making up for lost time. The government has set the goal of speeding up its space program to join the leading nations in reaching for the stars.