Article Posted on : - Dec 16, 2011

An artistic illustration of China's first space station module Tiangong-1. Photo: China Manned Space Engineering Office.

BEIJING (PTI): China on Friday celebrated its maiden successful docking of two unmanned space modules which were part of its efforts to establish a space station by 2020.

The celebrations included a rally held by the ruling Communist Party of China, (CPC) which was addressed by President Hu Jintao.

Hu described the success of the space docking mission as a milestone in China's manned space programme and a remarkable contribution to mankind's exploration of the outer space.

He commended Chinese space scientists and engineers for having achieved a number of breakthroughs in unmanned space tests, manned space mission, extravehicular activities and space docking over the past 19 years.

Orbiter Tiangong-1 and the Shenzhou-8 spacecraft docked in the space recently which is the first by China.

After few test dockings Shenzhou-8 returned to earth.

"The glorious achievement of China's manned space programme has strengthened national cohesion and confidence of all Chinese people," Hu said.

He said the CPC leadership and the socialist system provided "political advantage" for the progress of the country's manned space program.

China's first manned spacecraft Shenzhou-5, with astronaut Yang Liwei on board, successfully orbited the Earth for more than 21 hours and returned in October 2003.