Retrospect to Human Deep Space Exploration History and Its Prospect in China

1The Goals of Deep Space ExplorationThe deep space exploration is relative to nearearth space exploration.According to theWhitePaper on China’s Space Activities in2000[1],theexploration of space other than earth is presentcalled“Deep Space Exploration”in China.Thisconception is not unchangeable.It will evolvewith improvement of space technologies andcapabilities of mankind.Generally activities of human space can becategorized into three fields:Earth ApplicationSatellite,Manned Space…

Retrospect to Human Deep Space Exploration History and Its Prospect in China

The definition, goal and impacts of deep space exploration are summarized. After a retrospect to past deep exploration activities of human being to date, both recent deep space missions and future missions in 5 years are also listed. There are also brief introductions about the future strategic plans of NASA, ESA, RAKA, JAXA and ISRO. Then authors analyze some important features of global deep space exploration scheme. Key technologies of deep space exploration are also determined. The status of China deep exploration plan is introduced including CE-1 lunar orbiter, the subsequent China Lunar Exploration Program, especially proposal for the second stage of China Lunar Exploration Program, Mars exploration program of China with Russia Kuafu mission, Hard X-Ray Modulated Telescope, Space Solar Telescope. At the end, some suggestions for China future deep space exploration are made.