Our Privacy Statement & Cookie Policy

By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.

I agree

SPARK: A brief introduction to human space exploration

Translating...

Content is automatically generated by Microsoft Azure Translator Text API. CGTN is not responsible for any of the translations.

Error loading player: No playable sources found
13:25

Human beings have never stopped exploring the universe. Throughout our quest for the unknown, pioneers have continually pushed the limits of human knowledge and capability. From the early days of rocketry to today's advanced space stations, each step forward has expanded our understanding of what's possible.

At the beginning of their journey, scientists faced numerous failures. But progress was made. The Soviet Union launched the world's first artificial satellite, Sputnik I, in 1957 and sent the first cosmonaut, Yuri Gagarin, into outer space in 1961. These groundbreaking achievements sparked the Space Race between the Soviet Union and the United States, leading to rapid advancements in space technology. On July 20, 1969, the United States reached a historic milestone when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission.

China has also made significant strides in space exploration. The country successfully launched the Tiangong space station, meaning "Heavenly Palace" in Chinese, and regularly sends crews to conduct various experiments. China has ambitious plans for lunar exploration, with hopes to achieve human landings on the Moon by 2030.

Beyond scientific achievements, great minds continue to push the boundaries of human imagination through literature. Liu Cixin, a renowned Chinese science fiction novelist, explores the possibilities of deep space exploration in his bestselling novel "The Three-Body Problem."

For those curious about the history of human spaceflight, don't miss the latest episode of SPARK, which features Professor Yang Yuguang from the International Astronautical Federation. He offers a comprehensive overview of humanity's journey into space.

About SPARK

SPARK is a groundbreaking educational series that combines science, philosophy, art, research and knowledge into engaging digital content. By making complex academic insights accessible, it fosters an inclusive intellectual space where curious minds from all walks of life can explore, learn and grow together.

(Cover: Professor Yang Yuguang, chair of the Space Transportation Committee, International Astronautical Federation, 2024. /CGTN; Cover designed by Li Yueyun)

SPARK: Understanding Guangzhi's transformation from foe to friend

SPARK: Everything you need to know about Shaolin

Unlocking the magic of the British accent: Tips from the Harry Potter films

Search Trends