China's Space Programme From the Era of Mao Zedong to Xi Jinping

This book comprehensively covers the history and current developments of space programme of China. It presents the complete story of China’s space programme from its origins through to present day activities on the International Space Station. This monograph further discusses the role of China’s space strategy in its emergence as a major power on the world stage. The book also presents the context of China’s space program within the larger narrative of international space development. The book binds together the diverse political, military, economic and technology aspects into a coherent understanding and explains their role in the establishment and growth of Chinese space programme. Given the contents, this book will be a valuable source of information for students, researchers, and historians in the area of space studies.

The Origins of China’s Space Programme.- Economic Reform and the Deng Era.- New Challenges to the Space Programme.- The Growth Phase of China’s Space Programme.- Strategic Trends and Future Directions.- Chinese Recoverable Satellites.- China’s Communications Satellites.- China’s Weather Satellites.- Remote Sensing Satellites.- China’s Navigation Satellite Constellation.- The Human Space Flight Programme.- Breakthrough Research in Space Science and Applications.- China’s Military Satellites.

S. Chandrashekar is the J R D Tata Visiting Professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies. Before joining NIAS he was a Professor of Corporate Strategy at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB). His work at IIMB involved linking technology especially high technology with business, corporate and national strategy. Prior to his stint at IIMB he spent more than 20 years working at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on satellites, rockets as well as the applications of space technology especially remote sensing. As Deputy Director of Earth Observation Systems he was also involved with all international matters related to space. He has been a member and leader of Indian delegations to the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (UNCOPUOS). He was the focal point at ISRO for all matters related to the militarisation of space. At NIAS his research is focused on missiles, nuclear weapons and space. Recent work includes the useof satellite imagery for identifying Uranium mills, the role of space in safeguarding India’s National Security interests, a critical assessment of China’s Space Programme and North Korea’s recent missile and nuclear weapon tests. His current research critically reviews China’s Anti-Access Area Denial military strategy directed against the US and its allies in the Asia Pacific Region.