Nanjing, capital of East China’s Jiangsu Province, hosted the main events marking this year's Space Day of China on April 24.

In 2016, China set April 24 as the country's Space Day to mark the launch of its first satellite "Dongfanghong-1" into space on April 24, 1970.

The celebration this year included an exhibition of the moon samples brought back by China's Chang'e-5 probe and featured the lunar exploration program. Some 100 academicians and experts will give speeches on space science on campus.

Meanwhile, Jiangsu also signed strategic cooperation agreement with five centrally-administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs), namely China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, China North Industries Group Corporation, and China South Industries Group.

Li Qiang, deputy director of the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology, said the province attaches great importance to the development of the aerospace industry and now boasts a solid manufacturing foundation, competent talent pools, and a strong economy.

In accordance with geographical and industrial factors, regions in Jiangsu have built a number of aerospace parks or clusters, making a progress in facilitating the innovation and growth of high-tech industries.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Jiangsu will play a significant role in a number of national aerospace missions including the fourth phase of China’s lunar exploration program, building a scientific research station on the moon, asteroid exploration and sampling, and bringing Mars and Jupiter samples back to the earth.

The province also strives to make new breakthroughs in aerospace manufacturing, R&D and other fields, and moves toward an advanced, strong aerospace industry, making it a key driver of the province’s innovation-driven development.

Photo/Wu Sheng

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