A coalition1 was established Sunday in northwest China's Shaanxi Province to promote innovation and cooperation on space exploration under the the Belt and Road Initiative.
“一带一路”航天创新联盟成立大会周日在陕西省举行。
The coalition, set up in the
provincial2 capital of Xi'an,
encompasses3 48 universities, research institutes and academic organizations at home and abroad. It was
initiated4 by the Chinese Society of Astronautics and Xi'an-based Northwestern Polytechnical University.
Tian Yulong, secretary-general of China National Space Administration, said the alliance will boost exchanges on space innovation between its members and help
joint5 training of high-caliber professionals.
China designated April 24 as Space Day last year to mark the anniversary of the country's first satellite launch Dongfanghong-1 in 1970.
Xi'an, home to more than 200
aerospace6 research centers and enterprises, will hold major celebrations on Monday.