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Delegation members from China's First Manned Space Mission credited China's strong and intelligent leadership and the support of the people for the country's space achievements in a frank and wide-ranging discussion with the media today.
Yang Liwei, China's first astronaut on a manned space mission, deflected comments that he has become an icon and a symbol of national unity, saying the project would not have succeeded without the support and hard work of the whole nation and many experts.
Vigorous training leaves little family time
His training has been tough and vigorous, he admitted, leaving little time to spend with his wife and son. He asked the media to pass along his apology to his family for this, and added, in response to a question, that he would be bringing presents back to them.
After his 21-hour flight, Mr Yang said he was still recovering and needs to write reports.
Had he spent longer in space, he might have experienced more adverse physical effects, he replied to a reporter, including a loss of calcium and muscle damage. Since he had not had a long flight, he was recovering rapidly, he said.
He had not specially prepared for his Hong Kong visit, but was glad to spend some time with the people here to celebrate China's achievements.
China's space resources affordable
The purpose of his mission was to promote scientific development, testing the safety of China's rocket, he said.
"The project is not meant for military or defence purposes. Nor will it threaten other countries," delegation leader Hu Shixiang added.
While the US is spending about US$15 billion a year on manned space development resources, China is spending only about one-tenth as much - making it affordable for the country.
Space stations, labs in long-term plans
Chief Engineer Wang Yong-zhi said China's carrier rocket is reliable and safe, advanced and first class by international standards.
China needs to overcome two hurdles, though, in future: making rocket propellants more environmentally friendly, and increasing the rocket's carrying capacity.
Mr Hu said China would take 10 years to make further breakthroughs in space development: building large-scale space stations, enabling space walking, rendezvous and docking.
Later, it would aim to build a space laboratory, he added.
Space advances can benefit industry
Aerospace achievements can benefit many sectors and industries, the delegation's vice leader Zhang Qingwei said.
"China must make use of aerospace technology to create national heroes like Yang Liwei and promote economic growth to benefit the whole humankind," he said.
While the Mainland would like to put a man on the moon, it will do so at its own pace.
Mr Yang said he has already resumed aerospace training, and is ready to take up any future task. He would like to be able to land on the moon one day himself. Such a mission would best illustrate China's courage and wisdom.
Space belongs to mankind, not to any particular country, Mr Hu said. Since Hong Kong is part of China, its people should not be excluded from its aerospace development efforts.
For China to advance in space technology, it needs many more talented people. In answer to a reporter's question, Mr Hu said women astronauts - "who are more calm and cool than their opposite gender" - would definitely be trained in future.
Visit to HK enhances national unity
Mr Hu said that exchanges with different sectors of Hong Kong's community has helped bring the two sides closer.
Chief Engineer Wang Yongzhi commented on Hong Kong peoples' passion. He said their warm reception of the space team shows their patriotism.
Mr Yang had witnessed Hong Kong's prosperity, and was impressed with its beautiful scenery and architecture. He promised to share his experiences with his family and friends, hoping that they will also visit Hong Kong.
"Hong Kong people's hands are shaking when we shake hands, and there are tears in their eyes," Mr Hu said. "This is really moving."
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