The two huge red flags used during the opening of China's grand parade at Tiananmen Square on Thursday, Sept. 3, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, were products of the country’s advanced space technology, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
The 9-meter-long national flag and 7.5-meter-long Chinese army flag, which hung from two helicopters flying at 180km per hour, were applauded by thousands of visitors, including 30 foreign leaders on the Tiananmen Rostrum, as they passed overhead.
According to Xinhua, the spectacle was only made possible through China's advanced space technology.
"The flag would have been torn into pieces at such a speed as it had to withstand winds as powerful as a typhoon," Jiang Changhong, an expert with Beijing Institute of Space Mechanics and Electricity, said.
The report said that Chinese scientists conducted numerous experiments until they discovered that they could make the flags using the same special material used to create the parachute for the Shenzhou spacecraft.
"The special material enabled the parachute to bear up to 3 tons and be folded into a big suitcase." Jiang said. The scientist said that the material is also light, durable and easy to carry.
According to the report, a special paint was used by scientists to make the color of the flag brighter and more waterproof to prevent it from fading due to the elements.
The report added that each flag, made up of seven pieces, required the sewing skills of master craftsmen.
Scientists said that although the cost of making the flag was high, the quality and peace of mind were priceless.