marsrover.jpg (Photo : www.scmp.com)
China unveiled its space plans during the 10th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China, held in Zhuhai. The convention's opening events featured the introduction of much-awaited spacecraft.
One of Airshow China's highlights was a life-sized prototype of a Chinese Mars rover. According to China's exploration program for Mars, the country will be putting more effort in sending, landing and returning Chinese probes by 2020.
The Chinese Mars rover's look is closely identical to Yutu, a Chinese moon rover, but bigger in size. The Mars rover, 2 meters in length, was displayed alongside a capsule that will carry the rover to Mars.
"Our current concept has six wheels, like Yutu (Jade Rabbit), but will be larger and better at crossing obstacles," said Yutu development team leader Jia Yang.
Aside from the rover, the FT-1 solid launch vehicle, which has the capability to swiftly launch miniscule satellites that weigh under 300 kilograms, was also on display.
Another popular model displayed was China's new launch vehicle, the Long March CZ-7 rocket, which has the capability to deliver material weighing 6.5 tons into space. The launch vehicle will be used to construct a space station that can be a stable, long-term habitation.
The spacecraft models were not the only highlights of the event. Republic of Congo's transportation authority plans to buy three of China's first domestically made passenger jet, the ARJ21-700, which was also on display. The country's purchase from the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China is considered to be the first from Africa.
Representatives from the Republic of Congo said that the ARJ21-700 jets meet international standards and are suitable for African markets.
