The launching ceremony of a national youth space science and technology experience activity named “High-Tech Olympics and Dreams to explore the the Space ” was held in Beijing on May 29 at the Middle School Attached to the Renmin University of China. The activity aims to lead youngsters all over the country to actively participate in the practice of space science and technology, to stimulate their enthusiasm in space science and technology, to enhance their ability to explore and discover, and to nurture the future generation of space science and technology talents for China.

According to reliable sources, the China Space Science and Technology Group Corporation has provided funding for the research and development of a small satellite which is projected to be launched at an appropriate time in 2009.  Named “Hope”, major missions of this Olympic satellite will be to carry to outer space China’s youth science experiment programs, to establish amateur radio (frequency) space communications, and to conduct space photography.

Based on the launch of the Olympic satellite “Hope” and the important opportunities created by the upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympics, the activity includes revolving around the research and development, assembling and launching of the Olympic satellite “Hope”, and unfolding varied programs of youth and children space experience and creative practices.

The activity was jointly organized by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), the Organizing Committee for the Beijing Olympic Games, and the Chinese Society of Astronautics. The launching ceremony was attended by Mr. Yuan Jiajun, vice president of CAST and deputy general manager of the China Space Science and Technology Group Corporation.