FAST-TRACK DEVELOPMENT OF SPACE TECHNOLOGY IN CHINA

China's space industry faces challenges from the rapid growth in domes tic demand for satellite services international competition from the o ther members of the space club and infiltration of its domestic market s by foreign space companies. To counter this the country is making sp ace a priority in current plans to improve national economic and socia l development, paying particular attention to applications satellites. Policies aimed at accelerating development include increasing state s upport for space, improving management - especially of invested funds - creating a better infrastructure and aiming for serial production of satellite components. It is acknowledged that much can be learnt from other countries and China is keen to pursue cooperative endeavours, b ut it intends also to retain its independence.