Outer space is the shared resource of human beings. Exploration, peaceful utilization and development of outer space are rights of all nations throughout the world, Chinese President Hu Jintao said in Beijing Monday.

Society also share the responsibility of maintaining a peaceful and clean space, he said in a congratulatory letter sent to the 36th Scientific Assembly of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) which began on Monday in Beijing.

In his letter, Hu said humans have traveled a long path in exploring space and had made fruitful achievements.

In the past half century, mankind has grown to understand the environment of space, studied planets in the solar system and more precisely explained cosmic origins and evolution of the galaxy. All those achievements have pushed forward human society, Hu said.

Human society is expecting to witness new breakthroughs in space science and technology in the 21st century, Hu said.

Advancement of space science will further improve the human ability to understand, utilize and explore the universe, he said.

As an important international scientific organization, Hu said, the COSPAR has contributed to international cooperation in space science. The Chinese government supports activities sponsored by the COSPAR and is willing to enhance friendly cooperation with the COSPAR.

Hu said he believes with concerted efforts by people all over the world and the scientific community, space science is going to have a bright future and benefit the whole of society.