China announces space program goals

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BEIJING, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- China has issued a white paper on the development of its space industry since 2006 and the major goals for the next five years, officials said.

Titled "China's Space Activities in 2011," the paper issued Thursday was the third on the country's space activities issued by the State Council Information Office, following one in 2000 and another in 2006, China's official news agency Xinhua reported.

The Chinese government considers the space industry an important part of the nation's overall development strategy, with the exploration and utilization of outer space conducted for peaceful purposes, the white paper said.

Major goals set out in the paper for the next five years include space transportation systems, Earth satellites, human spaceflights and deep-space exploration, Xinhua reported.

China would work with the international community toward a peaceful outer space and endeavor to promote world peace and development, the document said.