China launches first section of its massive space station
Hao Chun, director of the China Manned Space Agency, said his agency will strive to make sure that the space station will be made best use of to advance space science, technology and application.
He said scientists will be able to use the facility's unique environment to perform mutation breeding, produce special medicines and create new materials, thus generating scientific, technological and economic benefits.
The official also said that China is open to cooperation with foreign nations in the space station project.
The Chinese agency has signed agreements with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs on space station cooperation. The two organizations jointly published an announcement of opportunity, inviting scientists from around the world to submit their research proposal for an opportunity to conduct their own experiments on board the Chinese station.
"By now, 17 foreign nations have confirmed their participation in nine scientific tasks on our station and related work is proceeding well," Hao said. "Next, we will continue working with the UNOOSA to solicit proposals for future scientific collaborations."
