Vice-Premier Ma Kai carried out an inspection of the Long March-5 carrier rocket project and attended a symposium with representatives who made outstanding contributions to its initial launch on April 11 in Tianjin, coastal city in northern China.
“The Long March-5 project is a major strategic decision made by the central government based on the modernization drive, following the global development trend in sci-tech field,” said Ma.
He added that the success of its maiden launch marks new progress made in China’s space launch abilities, achievements in the science and innovation field, and great contributions from the talents building and project management, another step towards turning China into a space power.
On behalf of the central government, Ma expressed his sincere gratitude to the unit and individuals who made outstanding contributions.
China has entered a critical period of accelerating its construction into a space power, which also requires work on the third lunar exploration mission, another key project in the country’s aerospace industry, according to the vice-premier.
To achieve the country’s target, he emphasized that space work should always prioritize quality and apply the “craftsmanship spirit” to each system, product and operation procedure.
He said that coordination should not be ignored during the process, with an aim to advance every task through a specific plan, accurate arrangements and thorough implementation.
“Space tasks should focus on innovation-driven development strategy through more breakthroughs on key technologies, and strive to set up a highly efficient and green space transportation system with low costs,” Ma said.
He also urged strengthening talent training in cutting-edge fields, in an effort to carry on space projects and the spirit they maintain.