The "Two Bombs and One Satellite" project, referring to the atomic bomb, the intercontinental ballistic missile, and the artificial satellite that China developed in the 1960s and early 1970s, was a significant accomplishment that has helped increase China's scientific and defense capabilities.
The spirit of "Two Bombs and One Satellite," featuring patriotism, dedication, hard work and the courage to scale new heights in science and technology, has encouraged generations of Chinese people.
Twenty-five years have passed since the spirit was put forward, and China has witnessed great leaps in the development of its nuclear and space technologies.
26 units, 30.3 gigawatts
China's independently developed HL-3 facility, also known as the country's new-generation "artificial sun." /CFP
China has set a three-step strategy for its nuclear energy development, namely "thermal neutron reactor, fast reactor, and controllable nuclear fusion reactor," under which the country has pursued remarkable achievements in the safe and innovative development of nuclear energy.
By the end of 2023, China had 26 nuclear power units under construction with a total installed capacity of 30.3 gigawatts, both retaining the world's top position, according to the report titled China Nuclear Energy Development Report 2024 released in April.
The report said the country's nuclear power generation continued to increase steadily, reaching about 433.4 billion kilowatt-hours in 2023, ranking second globally. Its nuclear power output last year was equivalent to reducing the consumption of standard coal by more than 130 million tonnes.
In terms of nuclear technological innovation, the country's Shidaowan high temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTGR) nuclear power plant, also known as the world's first fourth-generation nuclear power plant, was put into operation last December.
The operation of the nuclear power plant is of great significance in promoting the safety as well as the scientific, technological and innovation capabilities of China's nuclear power development, said Zhang Yanxu, general manager of the project.
The expansion of the project started in July, with the first phase to install another domestically developed third-generation pressurized water reactor, Hualong One.
Last month, China's Huanliu-3 (HL-3) facility, also known as the country's new-generation "artificial sun," achieved a significant milestone by operating with a plasma current of one million amperes, positioning China at the forefront of magnetic confinement nuclear fusion technology.
Wider applications, shorter production time
A model of China's carrier rocket with the BeiDou navigation system in background. /CFP
China's space industry is also thriving, boasting over 900 satellites in orbit supporting various sectors.
In early September, the Super Typhoon Yagi churned across southern China, causing serious damage.
Fengyun meteorological satellites played a crucial role in detecting and continuously tracking the typhoon's movement. They processed electromagnetic waves reflected or emitted by clouds and rain, accurately calculating the typhoon's outline, position, size, intensity, direction and path.
Satellite resources were quickly deployed for all-weather monitoring and emergency communication services in the affected areas, providing essential support for disaster reporting, response efforts, and rescue coordination.
The use of meteorological satellites to monitor and forecast severe weather, such as typhoons, rainstorms and dust, has proven invaluable in responding to extreme climate events and mitigating disasters.
China's robust space infrastructure, including satellite communication, remote sensing, navigation, and positioning systems, has led to the development of a comprehensive application ecosystem. For example, many domestic navigation application providers prioritize the homegrown BeiDou navigation system, which is used over 600 billion times daily.
To enhance production efficiency, the China Academy of Space Technology, the country's primary satellite development institute, has reduced satellite production time from six months to approximately 20 days by streamlining the process through intelligent technology and modular manufacturing.
Additionally, China has engaged in international cooperation on satellite services, including the China-Brazil Earth Resources Satellite program, the China-France astronomical satellite, and the MisrSat-2 satellite developed with Egypt, extending the benefits of its space industry globally.
Lunar and Mars exploration
An illustration of the future international lunar research station. /China Media Group
To go further, China has started with the moon for its deep space exploration.
The country launched its lunar exploration program in 2004, aiming to achieve a manned lunar landing by 2030.
In 2017, China proposed the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative, inviting global participation. The project garnered widespread interest, with over 10 countries and international organizations and over 40 institutions signing on.
In early September 2024, China detailed the ILRS, saying it is set to build a basic model by 2035 in the lunar south pole region and an extended model by 2050, which will be a comprehensive lunar station network that utilizes the lunar orbit station as its central hub and the south pole station as its primary base and will include exploration nodes on the lunar equator and the far side of the moon.
The country's Mars expedition also sees new development. It plans to launch the Tianwen-3 mission around 2028 and take Mars samples back to Earth.