On the eve of his departure from Canada for China, director of Canadian Space Agency Marc Garneau indicated during an interview with People's Daily Overseas Edition, saying that the blast off of Shenzhou-6 shows the "very, very rapid" progress China has achieved in space technology, and that Canada hopes to strengthen cooperation with China in the field of space science.

The director kept praising Shenzhou-6, saying that in two short years from Shenzhou-5 to Shenzhou-6, China has scored "very, very rapid" development in manned space technology, which "gives people a profound impression". He said, "As an astronaut, I really hope Canada can also do so." He points out that in the next 10-15 years China will gain still more attractive, abundant achievements in the realm of space science.

Marc Garneau will lead an astronavigation delegation to visit China next week for the purpose of discussing how to strengthen cooperation between Canada and China in the field of space science, particularly in the field of earth observation and studies on solar activity and global climate change. He indicates that if possible, Canada hopes to invite Chinese astronauts to visit the Canadian Space Bureau where there is a training center specially for teaching astronauts, who fly to the international space station, how to operate space robots.

He says that China also has plans to build a space station, while Canada has enormous technical superiority in building up a contingent of manipulators, this is an aspect for both sides to discuss cooperation. This 56-year-old man became the first Canadian to fly into the space in October 1984. Later, he participated in carrying out the tasks of three space flights, he spent 29 days in the outer space for a total mileage exceeding 12 million miles (about 19.2 million kilometers).

By People's Daily Online