Issue no 35

• Quarterly Report January - March 2021

The quarterly report comprises the most important news from the Chinese space programmes including a list of launches during the reporting period. QR 1-2021 also has an overview on Italian efforts in space cooperation with China. 

• "European-Russian Space Cooperation - From de Gaulle to ExoMars"

a book review and interview with Brian Harvey

• Xi’an and Shaanxi - Space Aspirations in the Home of the Terra Cotta

Over the centuries Xi’an, capital of central China’s Shaanxi Province, has remained an important city, and has become a major focus of development as one of the economic centers of Western China. The entire province of Shaanxi is located in a strategically important part of China which has contributed to the development of a space sector in Xi’an and Shaanxi more generally. With this article, author Blaine Curcio guides the reader through Xi'an's space establishments.

Issue no 34

• Quarterly Report October - December 2020

The quarterly report comprises the most important news from the Chinese space programmes including a list of launches during the reporting period. QR 4-2020 also has detailed information on the Chang'e 4 lunar mission. 

• "I am rather thinking of a perspective in which there will be a balanced world space programme ..."
Interview with Prof. Michel Blanc

Prof. Blanc from the Institut de Recherche en Astrophysique et Planétologie talks about his experience of working as the Executive Director of the International Space Science Institute (ISSI) in Beijing. He explains the scope of tasks and his interaction with Chinese scientists. Also, he gives his evaluation of the Chinese space programme along with an outlook on what the future could hold. 

• Starlink - CSS Near-Collision: Question, Solution and Opportunity
The increased risk of orbital collision brings challenges for all space faring nations

Last December, China filed a note verbale to the UN claiming that two SpaceX Starlink satellites made close encounters with the China Space Station (CSS). Our author Chen Lan tries to collect all available information in order to analyse what happend and what the consequences for the future might be. 

• The Chinese Lunar Goddess on a Night Mission (part 2)

The 2^nd part of the lunar sample return mission report focuses on the landing, the sample fetching and the flight back to Earth. But it also explains where the lunar samples will end up. Additionally, the Chang'e 5 mission had some other interesting items on board. And not to forget: until today, the extended mission is ongoing. (Part 1 was published in GoTaikonauts! 31, pp. 24 - 28)

Issue no 33

• Quarterly Report July - September 2020

The quarterly report comprises the most important news from the Chinese space programmes including a list of launches during the reporting period. QR 3-2020 also has detailed information on the Wenchang Space Launch Centre, the Tianwen 1 mission, the Beidou Satellite Navigation System, and the Chang'e 4 lunar mission

• Designing the China-Russia lunar base - Critical role of Chang'e 8 mission
The importance of the Russian heritage and of precursor missions

Brian Harvey explains why Russia is a very suitable and experienced partner for the International Lunar Research Station. He reflects on Russia extensive lunar experience and how the recent successes of China's lunar exploration are matching very well with what Russia can provide for the lunar base station project.

• Following Yuanwangs during a high-profile year

Brian Harvey has a detailed look at the operations of the Yuanwang fleet of space tracking ships over a time period of 12 months. He explains their movements, their assignments and specifics about the missions they tracked. He puts particular emphasis on tracking the Chang'e 5 Moon mission, and the mission for the assembly of the Chinese Space Station: Tianhe, Tianzhou 2 and Shenzhou 12.

• Chinese Space Flight in Chinese Science Fiction Literature
China's space programme inspires the national sci-fi community

Dominik Irtenkauf took on a very specific topic: He wantend to find out how much the Chinese science-fiction community is influenced by actual astronautics and manned space missions. He tries an analysis of the Chinese sci-fi landscape and comes up with some interesting insights.

Issue no 32

• Quarterly Report April - June 2020

The quarterly report comprises the most important news from the Chinese space programmes including a list of launches during the reporting period. QR 2-2020 also has detailed information on the CZ-5, the experiments and tests on board the New-Generation Spacecraft, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the Beidou Satellite Navigation System.

• Chang'e 4 – Behind the Moon (part 6) 

The diary-like article gives an overview on the 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th lunar days of Chang'e 4's operations on the far side of the Moon.

• FAST Impressions - An excursion to China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope

Our author Chen Lan has been visiting the FAST telescope in China's South. He describes the journey to this remarkable place, shares his impressions with us and gives good advice on how to best prepare for a visit.

• Queqiao 2: new design lunar relay - China's plans for a second lunar relay satellite

Brian Harvey has a look at the communication requirements for China's next series of lunar missions. Based on a article in Space: Science & Technology, he gives an overview what a second lunar relay satellite could do and what capabilities it would have.

Issue no 31

• Quarterly Report January - March 2020

The quarterly report comprises the most important news from the Chinese space programmes including a list of launches during the reporting period. QR 1-2020 also has detailed information on the New-generation Reusable Crewed Spaceship, on the organisation of the handling of lunar samples expected to be returned by the Chang'e 5 lunar mission and gives an overview on the Chang'e 7 mission objectives, the mission components and its payloads.

• Chang'e 4 – Behind the Moon (part 5) 

The diary-like article gives an overview on the 13^th, 14^th, 15^th and 16^th lunar days of Chang'e 4's operations on the far side of the Moon. The report includes details on the working routine of the Yutu 2 rover.

• The dramatic last day of Longjiang 2 (DSLWP-B) - a thrilling finale

The Chang'e 4 diary is complemented by an account of the eventful last day of operations of the Longjiang 2 microsatellite. Under dramatic circumstances, international radio amateurs did their utmost to secure the last signal from the lunar satellite before impact on the far side of the Moon.

• The Chinese Lunar Goddess on a Night Mission (part 1)

This article gives a very detailed report about the Chang'e 5 lunar sample return mission. This 1^st part of the report includes an overview of the mission objectives, the history of the Chinese lunar exploration programme, and the full sequence of events until the preparation for landing on the Moon.
The 2^nd part of the report in the next issue of the newsletter will cover the landing on the Moon and the journey back to Earth.

• Following Yuanwang: new destinations?

Brian Harvey reveals on hand of the raw data from Marine Traffic the movements of the fleet of Yuanwang space tracking vessels during the reporting period of January 2020 until July 2020. He is able to trace unusual sailing moves, identify the locations during cruises and matches the ships' journeys with the launches of the Chinese space programme. He pays particular attention on the moves of Yuanwang 6 which leave some open questions.

Issue no 30

• Quarterly Report October - December 2019

The quarterly report comprises the most important news from the Chinese space programmes including a list of launches during the reporting period.

• Chang'e 4 – Behind the Moon (part 4) 

The diary-like article gives an overview on the 11^th, 12^th, and 13^th lunar days of Chang'e 4's operations on the far side of the Moon. Special attention is given to the NCLE - Netherlands-China Low Frequency Explorer.

• Longjiang-2 – First UHF-VLBI-experiment in lunar orbit

Ulrich Fenner - DL2EP, a passionate radio amateur, is explaining the principles of triangular measurements and interferometry. Based on that, he then describes what Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) is and the importance of the first VLBI experiment with a Moon orbiting spacecraft - the Longjiang-2 lunar satellite.

• “... it was a thrilling moment, giving us all goose-bumps.”

Reinhard Kühn - DK5LA, a German radio amateur since more than 50 years, was part of an international team which in 2019 operated the radio amateur payload and camera on board the Longjiang-2 lunar satellite. In the interview with GoTaikonauts! he speaks about how he got involved with this highly recognised Chinese mission and what his plans for the future are...

• Harbin - Space City - China's China’s Most Unique Space City

Blaine Curcio of Orbital Gateway Consulting takes us on a historical and contemporary stroll through Harbin. Considering that Harbin is commonly know for its annual Ice Festival, it might come to a surprise that there are many aspects which connects the city in China's North-East with space.

Issue no 29

• Quarterly Report July - September 2019

The report comprises the most important news from the Chinese space programmes including a list of launches during the reporting period.

• Chang'e 4 – Behind the Moon (part 3) 

The diary-like article gives an overview on the 7^th, 8^th, 9^th, and 10^th lunar days of Chang'e 4's operations on the far side of the Moon.
The report also lists the main payloads on the CE-4 lander and Yutu rover.

• “On the far side of the Moon, the Chinese did a good job.”

The summary of the Chang'e 4 Press Conference answers questions like: How much did the Chang'e 4 mission cost? What is the status of China-Russian lunar cooperation? Why were the first images from the far side of the Moon reddish?

• Wuhan - Space City - China's Commercial Space Cluster in the Central Region

Blaine Curcio of Orbital Gateway Consulting has all the details regarding Wuhan and regarding space in Wuhan. He explains why Wuhan has the necessary preconditions and strategic advantages for becoming an important space hub and what are the main characteristics of the Wuhan space sector. Last but not least, he also gives an outlook into the near future of Wuhan as a space city.

• China, sanctions and spaceflight - The history of the U.S. sanctions regime affecting China

Brian Harvey conducted an in-depth analysis of the historic development of the sanctions regime against China and the Soviet Union. He explains what the hallmarks of the sanctions against China have been and currently are and shows how they became stricter over time. The author also outlines which initiatives China took to counter the sanctions and which effect they had. 

Issue no 28

GoTaikonauts! issue no 28 is dedicated to the citizens of Wuhan

• Quarterly Report April - June 2019

The report comprises the most important news from the Chinese space programmes including a list of launches during the reporting period.

• Chang'e 4 – Behind the Moon (part 2) 

The diary-like article gives an overview on the 4^th, 5^th and 6^th lunar days of Chang'e 4's operations on the far side of the Moon. It focuses on the official handover of science data to the international research teams from Sweden, The Netherlands and Germany. 

• Spreading the Knowledge among Society about Space Science

Our author Iana Grytsenko (Belt & Road Education) met Prof. Maurizio Falanga and Prof. Álvaro Giménez during the event “Understanding Science Seminar”, organised by the International Space Science Institute in Beijing on 5 December 2019.
See asked about what is new in China's efforts for space science and where does the road into the future lead to?

• China in Space - The Great Leap Forward

A review of the book by Brian Harvey "China in Space - The Great Leap Forward".

• WUHAN 2020 - Space Technology, Wuhan and the 5^th CCAF

In January 2020 the town of Wuhan became a household name all over the world. However, not for the reason Wuhan is actually famous for - among other things the only commercial aerospace industrial base in China and the annual commercial space forum. During the last forum in 2019, there was a strong confidence that commercial applications will open up a new economy with unprecedented perspectives. It was faith that the fight of the people in Wuhan against the spread of the Coronavirus proved this argument to be true.

• 5^th CCAF – China (International) Commercial Aerospace Forum
Jointly Building an Industrial Ecology to Lead the Development of Commercial Aerospace

Commercial space in China is seen as much as an opportunity as a challenge. This résumé has been the focal point of the 5^th CCAF on 19 and 20 November 2019 in Wuhan, organised by CASIC. We are describing the highlights of the presentations of the forum and which main conclusions can be drawn. Also, we try to reflect on the forum from the perspective of a foreign participants. Are there possibilities to increase the attraction of the event?

• 5^th CCAF – China (International) Commercial Aerospace Forum
Impressions of the forum by international participants

Milan Mijovic, P. J. Blount, Helen Tung and James Kass are describing their impressions from the forum, which topic they presented and which results they could take home.

Issue no 27

• Quarterly Report January - March 2019
The report comprises the most important news from the Chinese space programmes including a summary of the ESPI Briefs 28 "China is One Step Closer to the Moon…and Europe?" and the seminar by the Secure World Foundation "US-China Engagement in Space" from March 2019.

• Chang'e 4 – Behind the Moon (part 1) 
The diary-like article gives an overview on the first three lunar days of Chang'e 4's operations on the far side of the Moon. It has a detailed description of the landing sequence of the lunar probe and has also an extensive overview on the operations and events during the first quarter of 2019 - the first three lunar days.

• Perspectives on Europe from the Far East 
A Tale of Two Very Different Space Industries  
Blaine Curcio of Orbital Gateway Consulting describes his observations during visits to several European space companies and he is comparing those insights into the fundamental set-up and operation of the European and Chinese space industry. 

• Following Yuanwang tracking ships
Autumn 2019
Brian Harvey reveals on hand of the raw data from Marine Traffic the movements of the fleet of Yuanwang space tracking vessels during the reporting period of mid-September to the end of December 2019. He is able to trace unusual changes of location but can also match the sails with the launches of the Chinese space programme.

• Unearthing Aviation, Aerospace, and the Cosmos at Beijing’s Air and Space Museum
Discovering an museum exhibition
Donovan Cosby took the opportunity to visit the Beijing Air and Space museum. Lively and illustrative he is giving his impressions from the tour, includes a set of photos of the most important space exhibits and gives advice on how to get there.  

Issue no 26

• Quarterly Report October - December 2018

• UNISPACE+50 – When the world talks space
Report from the United Nations Global Space Conference
The article reports from the United Nations Global Space Conference last year in June in Vienna. It gives some details about China's special events during the conference, but also puts into context the new developments in the changing environment of the utilisation of space. 

• Following Yuanwang tracking ships
Observations on the maneuvres of China’s fleet of tracking ships 
Our author Brian Harvey made some interesting observations on the sails of the Yuanwang tracking ships which he shares in his article. 

• 4^th China (International) Commercial Aerospace Forum Wuhan 2018
Full speed ahead!
This longer report about the 4^th CCAF 2018 tries to reflect on the special atmosphere during the conference and gives some impressions about the current situation among the new commercial player in China. 

Issue no 25

• Quarterly Report July - September 2018

• LandSpace - Will it be China’s SpaceX?
Visit to the LandSpace manufacturing base in Huzhou
This report of a visit to LandSpace manufacturing base in Huzhou in March 2018 gives some insight into the company's philosophy, its current status of development and an outlook to its ambitions for the future.

• China Space Day 2019
A retro perspective from the 2019 National Space Day Changsha
The 2019 edition of China's national Space Day has been a significant highlight for the country's image in the space world. We are reflecting on some of the highlights, including the United Nations/China Forum on Space Solutions.

• The boldest space project for planet Earth
UNOOSA-China Space Cooperation
One year ago, China and UNOOSA invited all UN Member States to put forward proposals for research on the future Chinese Space Station. In June, the winners of the Announcement of Opportunity were announced in Vienna. We are describing the whole process from the start in May 2018 up to the selection announcement and also provide some observations along the way.

• UNOOSA - Gateway to Space
Interview with Simonetta Di Pippo, Director UNOOSA
In the recent years, UNOOSA has set-up several projects in support of developing countries to bridge the gap of access to space. China has emerged of one strong supporter of the aims of UNOOSA. However, UNOOSA Director Simonetta Di Pippo explains that she has even more ambitions for the future.

Issue no 24

• Quarterly Report April - June 2018

• Wu Ji and Chinese Space Science
By giving an insight into Wu Ji's professional carrier, Brian Harvey is explaining the recent status of space science in China and the influence of Wu Ji on the emerge of a strong space science programme. 

• Overview on China's Space Science Missions
Dr. William Carey is describing China's new wave of space science missions. He is looking into the objectives, main payloads and launch date of the most recent missions and the planned missions.

• 2019 in Chinese Space
Blaine Curcio provides a short overview on the outcomes in 2018 and based on that a consequent analysis of what to expect in 2019 in the commercial aerospace sector in China. He explains the reasons why the expectations in the commercial launch companies are high in 2019.

Issue no 23

• Quarterly Report January - March 2018

• Civilian-Military Integration - The new buzzword in China
Some insight into what does it mean: Civilian-Military Integration? And: how did it come into place and what expectations does China connect with this strategy?

• “Our top goal was to be committed to one hundred percent quality...”
An interview with Prof. Dr. Bernd Madauss who looks back at an intensive experience in space project management for many leading space companies in several countries. He was also involved in the project management for the Bolivian Túpac Katari satellite, built and launched by China.
His speaks about his experience of working with Chinese colleagues at CGWI and CAST, about the challenges of working in China and gives his opinion on the Chinese space programme. 

• A Historic Day for Chinese NewSpace
Chen Lan writes about his impressions of traveling to the Jiuquan launch site to attend LandSpace’s orbital launch attempt on 27 October 2018.
He describes in good detail the atmosphere during the launch campaign and reflects on the status of commercial NewSpace in China. 

• ‘First’ Flight: Aviation, Air Defence, Space Exploration & More on Display at China’s 2018 Zhuhai Air Show
Donovan Cosby reports from China’s airshow event in Zhuhai. In a very entertaining account he reflects on his personal impressions of the event and gives advice on how to travel to Zhuhai Airshow.

• CASC’s Roadmap for the Development of the Space Transportation Systems 2017-2045
On the occasion of the 60^th anniversary of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) on 16 November 2017, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), published a highly ambitious “Roadmap for the Development of the Space Transportation Systems 2017-
2045”. A one-page infographic summarises the milestones of CAST's Space Transportation System Road Map up to 2045.

Issue no 22

• Quarterly Report October - December 2017

• Hard Road to Commercial Space
The past of the Chinese commercial launch service
(including a detailed list of Chinese commercial launch efforts - also for download in the "downloads" section)

• Commercial Space Takes off in China
The new player in the Chinese launcher and satellite business - Part 2

• To Mons Rümker and back with Chang'e 5
Visit by taikonaut Chen Dong to the Neubrandenburg Space Day 2017

• The Indian Space Programme
India's Incredible Journey From the Third World Towards the First -
A book review

Special Edition UNISPACE+50

• "China Engages: Opportunities and Prospects for the International Space Community"
Report on the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) and China National Space Administration (CNSA) Evening Event by Marco Aliberti and Leyton Wells of the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI)

• “We are actively planning manned deep-space exploration.”
Interview with the Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations in Vienna, Shi Zhongjun

• “This is a ground-breaking initiative and highlights our commitment to bringing the benefi ts of space to all.”
Interview with the UNOOSA Director Simonetta Di Pippo

• Taikonaut Chen Dong at the 33^rd Neubrandenburg Space Days

Issue no 21

• Quarterly Report July - September 2017

• Wuhan – China’s Centre of the Commercial Universe
Report from the 3rd China (International) Commercial Aerospace Forum CCAF 2017 - including interviews with Enrique Pacheco, Andrew Paliwoda, Philippe Cyr

It was the discovery of the year 2017: the 3rd China (International) Commercial Aerospace Forum (CCAF) which took place on 30 August 2017 in Wuhan, the capital of central China’s Hubei Province. For the first time, the forum went international – and this – with unprecedented success. Around 400 government officials, company representatives and industry experts from more than 20 nations were present. Our latest newsletter has a comprehensive report on this event from last year. Three international space experts - Enrique Pacheco from Mexico, Andrew Paliwoda from the UK, and Philippe Cyr from Canada/China - explain their motivations for participation in the forum.

• Commercial Space Takes Off in China
The new players in the Chinese launcher and satellite business - Part 1

China surprised the global community of science and technology with its recent success in quantum telecommunication. The next surprise could become the wave of Chinese commercial space activities aiming not only on the national market but targeting international customers in the areas of launch services, remote sensing satellites, communication satellites, and satellite platforms. GoTaikonauts! has reviewed the historical beginnings and the development of China’s commercial space activities until today. This comprehensive report can be read in issue no 22 (for release next month) In the current issue, issue no 21, can be found the first part of an report on the status quo in the Chinese commercial space industry – giving an overview on launcher activities.

• My EPIC Experience Watching My First Ever Space Rocket Launch - the Long March 5 - at China’s Wenchang Space Satellite Launch Center!

Issue no 20
• Quarterly Report April - June 2017

• China's 1st National Space Day 2016
On the occasion of China's 1st National Space Day in 2016, the Vice Minister of the Armed Forces Equipment Development Department and Deputy Commander of China's Manned Space Programme, Zhang Yulin spoke about the status of China's manned space programme and gave an outlook on the tasks for the near future.
GoTaikonauts! summarises the most important information, given by Xu Dazhe at the State Council Information Office press conference on 22 April 2016 regarding the introduction of China's National Space Day.

• China’s 2nd National Day of Space Flight 2017
On 24 April 2017, the GoTaikonauts! team visited two space institutions related to China's space programme: the Qian Xuesen Library and Museum Shanghai and the West Sheshan Mountain with its astronomical sites including the Tianma 65-m radio telescope in Shanghai- Sheshan. The articles “Tradition is not the worshipping of the ashes but to pass on the flame” and "Excursion to Tianma – the Pegasus of Shanghai" are reports about the excursions.

• GLEX2017-Global Space Exploration Conference Highlights

• Space Commemorative Banknote and Coin

Issue no 19
Issue no 19 features the quarterly report for January to March 2017, a summary of the White Papers on Space and on the Beidou Satellite Navigation System and a personal experience of a visit to China’s FAST Five-Hundred Metre Aperture Spherical Telescope in Guizhou (also see: https://www.donesladventure.com/china-blog-china-attractions-china-things-to-do-live-in-china/how-to-get-to-the-fast-telescope-in-pingtang-guizhou-china).