The 50th anniversary of two space technology research institutions of China was marked at the Great Hall of the People on Friday.

Founded on Nov. 16, 1957, the first research institution of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has developed ten of the Long March series carrier rockets, which have successfully launched the country's first satellite, Shenzhou spacecrafts, and Chang'e-1 lunar probe into space.

The second research institution of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), which was also founded on Nov. 16, 1957, has contributed to the country's research on defensive technology.

The two institutions have trained a lot of space scientists in the past 50 years.

Top legislator Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao, Vice-President Zeng Qinghong and other leaders sent their congratulatory letters to the meeting.

Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan attended the meeting and made a speech.

The two institutions have made significant contribution to the national defense and economic and social development, and they should work harder to make greater achievement, the vice premier said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2007)