OPINION> Commentary
Small steps, great leap
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-09-26 07:49

Let us hope that everything goes as planned 343 km above the earth so, some time tomorrow afternoon, we can witness the first ever spacewalk by a Chinese astronaut.

This maiden extra vehicular activity (EVA) will be more than a spacewalk, it will mark a great leap forward in the truest sense.

Behind it are decades of independent research and development that made possible China's manned space flights. In 2003, we came to know and remember Yang Liwei, hero of the country's first manned space mission. Two years later, we saw China's first two-man mission aboard Shenzhou VI. Now, Shenzhou VII is carrying a crew of three. Each flight represents an important step forward for China's space industry.

Now, the country has entered the second stage of its three-stage manned space program. Tomorrow's spacewalk, along with other EVAs planned for the next few days, will accumulate crucial data and expertise for building the planned space lab, and a space station by 2020.

The past five awe-inspiring years did not come out of nowhere. The rapid strides were thanks to decades of tireless efforts. For all this to happen, generations of scientists have toiled, most of the time in anonymity. The industry's hall of fame would never be complete without their presence. While society has been captivated by the desire for instant and immediate gains, they have managed to concentrate on a meaningful cause.

Nor should we overlook the role of international support for the Shenzhou missions. Russian experts have been instrumental in our space endeavors. The rapid strides so far would not have been possible were it not for their assistance. Designing the EVA spacesuit took us three-and-a-half years. Without Russian assistance, it may have taken as much as eight years, said the chief Chinese designer.

In fact, Russian involvement extended from training the astronauts to building the Shenzhou vessels.

Every space flight should not only be an occasion to celebrate our own capabilities, it should also be a time to celebrate international cooperation.

(China Daily 09/26/2008 page8)