China mulls sending spacecraft to edge of solar system: scientist
Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar exploration project, poses for a photo after China's Chang'e-4 mission was awarded the Moon Village Principles - Mission Prize by the Moon Village Association (MVA) at a symposium in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 5, 2019. (Xinhua/Hua Yi)
BEIJING, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese scientists are evaluating the feasibility of a project to send spacecraft to the edge of the solar system, said Wu Weiren, chief designer of China's lunar exploration program.
According to the project, the Chinese spacecraft will cover a distance about 100 times than that between the sun and Earth by 2049, when the People's Republic of China celebrates its 100th founding anniversary, Wu said in a recent interview with industry newspaper China Space News.
The distance from the sun to Earth is called an astronomical unit (AU), which is about 150 million km.
The project aims to carry out scientific exploration and experiments at the edge of the solar system, a region about 15 billion km from the Earth.
Photo taken on April 23, 2021 shows the combination of the core module of China's space station, Tianhe, and the Long March-5B Y2 rocket after it was transported to the launching area of the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in south China's Hainan Province.(Photo by Guo Wenbin/Xinhua)
"If the project can be implemented, it will be China's contribution to the world and mankind," Wu said.
"China's space industry has the strength to achieve this goal," the scientist added.
Related articles
Recently reinstated receiver Quintez Cephus signs a one
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Previously suspended receiver Quintez Cephus is back in the league after s2024-04-30iQIYI signs strategic partnership with Tourism Authority of Thailand
iQIYI signed a strategic partnership letter of intent with the Tourism Authority of Thailand in Beij2024-04-30Nanjing Massacre victims remembered ahead of Qingming Festival
Staff members present a flower basket to victims of the Nanjing Massacre at the Memorial Hall of the2024-04-30Chinese premier holds symposium with overseas buyers at Canton Fair
Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds a symposium with overseas buyers attending the 135th session of the C2024-04-30Goodbye to Scotland's answer to Liz Truss: How Sturgeon's short
Humza Yousaf bowed out as SNP leader today after fewer than 400 crisis and gaffe-filled days in char2024-04-30Seasonal 'rocket chasers' ignite aerospace tourism boom in China
At homestays along the Qishui Bay in Longlou township, visitors can watch rocket launches from balco2024-04-30
atest comment