Introduction of Chinese Society of Astronautics

Chinese Society of Astronautics (CSA), which legally registered as a corporation aggregate, is a national, non-governmental academic organization composed of personnel in the astronautical field. CSA, with Qian Xuesen, Ren Xinmin and Zhang Zhenhuan as its sponsors, was founded in October 1979. The purposes of the CSA are to expedite the development and popularization of space science and technology, to promote the training of the astonautical professionals and technicians and the updating of their knowledge. Current President of Executive Council is Zhang Qingwei. Secretary General is Yang Junhua.

In 2004, Chinese Society of Astronautics organized the high-level forum entitled “To innovate aerospace technology, to promote aerospace industry”.	In 1996, Chinese Society of Astronautics successfully hosted the 47th International Astronautical Congress in Beijing.

The main tasks of CSA are:
  ● To strengthen the educational cooperation and carry out various kinds of exchanges at all levels with domestic and oversea space circles around the central task of Chinese space development strategy so as to speed up the development of science study;
  ● To promote non-governmental, international scientific and technological exchanges, popularize and present the update science and technology achievement of Chinese space circle and foster the development of space technology for peaceful purposes;
  ● To conduct theoretical research and provide decision-making consulting, expertise suggestion and technical transfer services;
  ● To play a directive role in the popularization of space science, offering all kinds of training, popularizing the knowledge of space science and technology, spreading the advanced productive technology and managing experiences, and upbringing the successor to the space cause for the Chinese aerospace future;
  ● To edit, publish and distribute: The Journal of CSA (bimonthly) published in Chinese with the English title and abstract; Space Exploration (monthly) published in Chinese; books, newsletters, publications, conference proceedings;
  ● To establish and perfect organization, discover, recommend, upbring and give honor to professional and technicians with members oriented to accelerate their growth and build up astronautical professionals and technicians' home.

The supreme organ of CSA is National Congress. The Council elected at the national congress is composed of experts, scholars and other influential personages in the field of space. The term of office for council members is 5 years. When the council is not in session, the executive council shall perform the responsibilities of the council.

CSA has held five sessions of national congress since its establishment in 1979. At the Fifth Session of National Congress held on March 30, 2004, the Fifth Executive Council was elected. Its permanent body led by secretary-general and deputy secretaries-general under the executive council takes care of the rountine work of the Society.

CSA sets up a professional society of unmanned spacecraft and 26 professional committees, which are responsible for organizing various scientific and technological activities.

Since its foundation in 1979, CSA has carried out pointed academic and non-governmental exchanges at home and abroad with purposes, working closely with the space scientific research and production tasks on different stages. It has already established bilateral or multilateral relationship with relevant organizations from many countries and regions, often receiving foreign experts and scholars for lectures, exchanges and visits. Thus CSA plays an important role in accelerating the development of space technology, popularizing its application and expanding the influence of Chinese aerospace industry in the world.

During “Dupont. U.S. Astronauts’ China Tour” organized by Chinese Society of Astronautics, three excellent retired U.S. astronauts, Charles Moss Duke, Charles F. Bolden and Mae C. Jemison, were awarded “CSA International Exchange Award” by Mr. Zhang Qingwei, President of Executive Council of CSA. (July 2005)	Chinese Society of Astronautics successfully organized “The 16th Young Astronauts International Conference” in Beijing. (July 2005)	Chinese Society of Astronautics organized young Chinese students to go to Russia to participate in “Astronautics Summer Camp”. (July 2005)	Chinese Society of Astronautics organized young Chinese students to go to U.S.to participate in “Space Camp”. (August 2005)

Chinese Society of Astronautics
No. 8, Fucheng Lu, Haidian District, Beijing
P.O. Box: Beijing 838, Post code: 1008300
Phone: 0086 10 68768622、68193081 Fax: 68768624
E-mail : csa_heinlein@yahoo.com.cn