China Launches Its Second Unmanned Spacecraft on Jan 10, 2001

The China-developed Shenzhou-2 spacecraft is launched on Jan 10, 2001. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]

China launches its second unmanned spacecraft on Jan 10, 2001

The China-developed Shenzhou-2 spacecraft was launched on Jan 10, 2001, and returned on Jan 16 after completing all scheduled scientific experiments.

The second flight of China's manned space flight project, Shenzhou-2's launch was a milestone for the country in its manned space flight program.

A series of valuable scientific fruits in fields like space material science, bioscience, and astro-surveillance, as well as environmental monitoring and broadcasting, were achieved from Shenzhou-2's experiments.

Last section of the Beijing-Kowloon Railway's double-track line completed on Jan 10, 2003

The Longchuan-Dongguan East section, the last section of the Beijing-Kowloon Railway's double-track line, was completed and opened to traffic on Jan 10, 2003, putting the entire line into use.

With the largest construction scale and the highest level of investment among China's railways, the Beijing-Kowloon Railway was also the main line with the longest distance ever built in one continuous period.

The railway completed the country's railway layout and improved transportation between northern and southern China.

In addition, it played a significant role in driving resource development and economic growth in the affected areas and promoting stability and prosperity in Hong Kong and Macao.

(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)