A Lifetime of Reading: 5000 Years of Chinese History - A Lifetime of Reading: 5000 Years of World History

Author: Zhao Yahu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-11-01
Features: "Two Bombs, One Satellite" and Manned Spaceflight
In the late autumn of 1964, a thunderous explosion like a spring thunder announced to the world with solemnity that the Chinese people had successfully mastered nuclear technology through their own efforts. The stars and constellations have shifted, and China's science and technology have risen to the world stage at an unprecedented speed. Many research pearls that all countries dream of have been pioneered by our nation, from "Two Bombs, One Satellite," the artificial synthesis of bovine insulin crystals, genetically modified hybrid rice, the "Galaxy" billion-times to nanoinformation storage and monoclonal antibody technology. Whenever we read about these globally shocking achievements, people can't help but be filled with excitement. History will forever remember such days: On October 16, 1964, China's atomic bomb exploded successfully. On October 27, 1966, China's ground-to-ground missile equipped with a nuclear warhead exploded successfully. On June 17, 1967, China's hydrogen bomb airburst test was successful. On April 24, 1970, China's artificial satellite was launched successfully. The great achievements of China's "Two Bombs, One Satellite" program have amazed the world. In the magnificent development journey of New China, the 1950s and 1960s were an extraordinary period. At that time, facing a severe international situation, to resist the military threat of imperialism and break the nuclear blackmail and monopoly of major powers, and to quickly enhance national defense strength, the Party Central Committee and Comrade Mao Zedong, with keen insight and foresight, decided to develop "Two Bombs, One Satellite" and focus on breaking through cutting-edge defense technology. Through the unremitting efforts of several generations, China has now become one of the few countries that independently master nuclear technology and space technology, and is leading the world in certain key technological fields. Comrade Deng Xiaoping profoundly pointed out: "If China had not had atomic bombs, hydrogen bombs, and launched satellites since the 1960s, China would not be a major country with significant influence, and would not have the international status it has now. These things reflect a nation's capabilities and are also a symbol of a nation's prosperity and development." Under the condition of a very weak material foundation, China successfully developed "Two Bombs, One Satellite," leaving us many inspirations for today's major leap in technological development. Looking back at the brilliance of "Two Bombs, One Satellite," we should remember some names: Wang Ganchang, Deng Jiaxian, Zhao Jiuzhang, Qian Sanqiang, Qian Xuesen