https://apnews.com/063151b311b8475db94531ea0866f8c1

BEIJING (AP) — China has come a long way since the founding of its space program in 1956.

Shortly after the former Soviet Union launched Sputnik, Chairman Mao Zedong declared that China too should have an artificial satellite to keep up with the great powers. Now, being recognized as a galactic pioneer is once again part of China's national ambitions.