First-stage rocket research completed

New heavy-duty launch carrier will help China put men on the moon

BEIJING - Scientists have finished preliminary research into a heavy-thrust carrier rocket that could help China send men to the moon and fly to deep space in the future, said Liang Xiaohong, vice-president of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology.

"If approved (by the government), the heavy-thrust carrier rocket will be able to meet the demands of any proposed Chinese mission in space," said Liang, who is also a member of the National Committee of the 11th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.