【January 10, CMSP News】2013 "State Science and Technology Awards" Presentation Ceremony was held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on January 10. China Manned Space Rendezvous and Docking Project won the "State Science and Technology Progress Award" top prize.

Figure: China Manned Space Rendezvous and Docking Project Won “State Science and Technology Progress Award” Top Prize

With the breakthrough in space rendezvous and docking technology, China has become the third nation to independently master the space rendezvous and docking technology, which laid a solid scientific foundation for the future space station construction. China manned space project has achieved many "firsts": successful operation and management of China's first space lab; for the first time realizing the construction, operation, control and management of China's spacecraft combination; for the first time achieving Chinese astronauts stationed in the long-term orbiting manned spacecraft to live and work; and sending the first Chinese female astronaut to space and safely back to earth.  
Zhou Jianping, Chief Designer of China Manned Space Project, said that space rendezvous and docking technology serves as the precondition for space station’s construction such as space vehicle's in-orbit maintenance, space-to-ground transportation of the astronaut crew, the resupply of cargo and fuel, and space rescue. It plays a decisive role in realizing China manned space project's "three-step" strategic goals.
The State Science and Technology Awards comprise five awards to recognize the individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of science and technology. "State Science and Technology Progress Award" is conferred to the citizen or organization that has greatly contributed to application and dissemination of advanced scientific and technological results and to the accomplishment of significant scientific and technological projects, plans and programs.
"State Science and Technology Progress Award" top prize aims to increase the reward for major scientific discovery, technological invention and projects of great importance in science and technology. It motivates science and research teams to jointly make key science and technology breakthroughs, to undergo science and technology innovations more effectively, thus providing solutions to major issues on national economy and social progress. (By Yu Yanjuan)