China is set to host its first space cooperation forum with Latin American and Caribbean countries during the upcoming Space Day of China, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) announced on Wednesday.
The China-Latin America and Caribbean Space Cooperation Forum will take place in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei Province, from April 24 to 26. Co-hosted by the CNSA, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Hubei provincial government, the forum aims to enhance international collaboration in space exploration and technology.
“This forum will provide a platform for countries to discuss cooperation in space infrastructure, deep space exploration, innovative development of the space industry, and global governance in outer space,” said Lyu Bo, deputy director of the Department of System Engineering at the CNSA, during a press conference in Beijing.
Nearly 90 delegates from 24 countries and eight international organizations, including government officials, industry representatives, researchers, and private sector participants, are expected to attend the event.
The forum will feature an opening ceremony, a main forum, and four sub-forums focusing on:
- Space infrastructure’s contribution to sustainable social and economic development
- Deep space exploration and space science
- Innovative development of the space industry chain
- Global governance and capacity building in outer space
In addition to the forum, a series of events will be held in Wuhan to celebrate the Space Day of China, including the China Space Conference, the China Space Culture and Art Forum, and a space science popularization exhibition. Officials, academicians, and experts from governmental entities, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, universities, and space enterprises, as well as foreign guests from 50 countries and regions and international organizations, will participate in these events.
Across the country, approximately 500 activities such as space open days, popular science lectures, knowledge contests, and exchanges will engage the public in celebrating the achievements of China’s space program.
Established in 2016, the Space Day of China commemorates the launch of the country’s first satellite, “Dongfanghong-1,” which was sent into space on April 24, 1970.
Reference(s):
China to hold first space forum with LatAm, Caribbean countries
cgtn.com
