Chinese Perspectives in the “Space Race” through the Prism of Global Scientific and Technological Leadership

Abstract

This study provides a philosophical analysis of the Chinese Space Program and its connection to the embodiment of “China’s Dream” in the 21st century. China’s current achievements and main challenges in the “space race” are observed in comparison to others’ “space superpowers” practical steps. The given analysis includes reflections on geopolitical and scientific-technical aspects of China’s space program and a brief history of the latter, on the development of manned spaceflight carried out by the PRC, and such projects as “Shenzhou,” “Tiangong,” “Beidou,” “Tianhe,” “Chang’e.” Special attention is paid to the review of a variety of Chinese space assets like communication satellites, navigation satellites, meteorological and oceanographic satellites, remote sensing satellites. Also, the national security implications of the the PRC national space program are considered as a security guarantee for China’s peaceful development. It’s arguing that Chinese strides in advancing space technologies have a direct connection to the fulfillment of “China’s Dream” in dimensions of scientific and technological leadership and social-economic prosperity.