Report from Washington, D.C.
Lawmakers Gain Insight into Chinese Space Program
Written by: developer
The Space Foundation Government Affairs team spent a large portion of October debriefing space policy decision-makers on the Space Foundation-led mission to Chinese space facilities, which offered helpful insight into the future of Chinese human space flight initiatives.
Led by Chief Executive Officer Elliot Pulham, the Space Foundation delegation comprised former shuttle astronaut and AVIATION WEEK President Tom Henricks; AVIATION WEEK Editor/Reporter Frank Morring; former deputy NASA administrator and former shuttle astronaut Fred Gregory; Space Foundation Senior Vice President - Strategic Communications Steve Eisenhart; Space Foundation Vice President - Washington, D.C., Operations, Government Affairs Brendan Curry; and Space Foundation Special Adviser - International Affairs William V. Parker.
In Beijing, the group visited several sites at the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) including the Beijing Aerospace Control Center and the production facilities where the Shenzhou 8 spacecraft, TANG-1 spacecraft, and various satellites are in assembly, and the China Astronaut Research and Training Center. At the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, the delegation was briefed at the launch control center and then toured the vehicle assembly building and launch pad.
To read the AVIATION WEEK & SPACE TECHNOLOGY coverage of the trip, click here. To read Elliot Pulham's overview of the visit that appeared in Space Watch, click here.
Pictured: Space Foundation delegation meeting with Chinese space officials in Beijing.
This article is part of Space Watch: November 2009 (Volume: 8, Issue: 11).