Home of space dreams
Updated: 2013-06-23 07:50
By Zou Hong(China Daily)
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The setting sun creates a mysterious hue over the skies at the satellite launch center, which is the main draw of the city of Jiuquan in Gansu province. Photos by Zou hong / CHina Daily |
Shenzhou X manned spacecraft blasted off on June 12 from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, which is also home to scientists, soldiers and their families. Zou Hong unveils daily life at the center in Gansu province.
The "Cape Canaveral of China" - Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, also known as Dongfeng Space Center - is located at the depth of Badain Jaran Desert, 210 kilometers from the northeast of Jiuquan city, Gansu province.
Built in 1958, the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center is the earliest and largest satellite launch center in China. Since its establishment, it has achieved many firsts for the development of the space industry of China, including the launch of China's very first satellite in 1970.
It is also the breeding ground and launching pad of many vital space projects, including Shenzhou X manned spacecraft that blasted off on June 12, bringing the nation one step closer to setting up its own space station in 2020.
While the city is the cradle for space dreams, people in the city live a simple life, with no bars and night clubs. Most of the residents are scientists, members of the military and their family members, who dedicate their time to realizing the nation's space mission.
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(From right) Nie Haisheng, Zhang Xiaoguang and Wang Yaping, the first Chinese from the 1980s generation to orbit Earth, are spending 15 days in space - two days more than last year's manned mission. |
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The city in the Gobi desert enjoys a continental desert climate. Residents are seen enjoying the comfortable summer weather in the city square. |
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Though not as glorious as shopping malls in major cities, shops in the city are more than adequate for the daily necessities. |
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An elderly woman leads her twin granddaughters across the street. Many workers in the space center enlist their parents' help in taking care of the young children. |
(China Daily 06/23/2013 page6)