The flight made China the third country to put a man in space independently following the former Soviet Union and the United States, surprising the world, including major powers like the United States and Japan, which congratulated China.

China also demonstrated its improved space launch capability during the month that followed as it launched four satellites using three Long March rocket carriers.

Zhang Qingwei, general manager of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp., the manufacturer of the Long March carrier rockets and spacecraft, said it was a record month both in the number of launches and the success rate, indicating the country's improved technological developments and manufacturing in the space field and space project management.

It used to take up to three months or more for China to ship rocket and satellite to launch site and prepare for launch, now it takes about a month or less.

Monday's successful launch of the first satellite of the "Double Star Program", China's last space launch in 2003, brought the total number of space launches for the country to six, all successful, representing the 33rd consecutive successful launch of China’s Long March rockets since October 1996 and the 75th launch.

The first satellite launch in 2003 was made on May 25, when it launched a navigational and positioning satellite into orbit using a Long March III-A rocket.

The launch may have been insignificant for the general public in and outside China, but it marked a milestone for Chinese rocket experts.

Long Lehao, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and general-commander of the rocket project, said the successful launch lifted the success rate of the Long March rocket series from 89 to 90 percent, an internationally accepted benchmark for carrier rockets.

The success rates of similar models of the rocket, such as the Delta rocket of the United States and those of Europe, stand at around 93 percent.

Shortly after the manned flight, Chinese space officials announced plans to build a space laboratory and station.

Although the Chinese government has yet to list its much-talked about moon-probe program as a government-funded project, space experts have made preparations for the project as it is almost certain to be approved.

Chinese astronauts have resumed training for the country's second manned space mission, which is expected to take place in about two years, officials said.

(People's Daily December 31, 2003)