The 76th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), the world's premier aerospace event, opened on Monday in Sydney, Australia, with China's Chang'e-6 mission earning the prestigious 2025 International Astronautical Federation (IAF) World Space Award in the Team Category.
Organized annually by the IAF since 1950, the IAC brings together global space experts, leaders, and enthusiasts to advance innovation and collaboration.
At the opening ceremony of the IAC 2025, Hu Hao, chief designer of the Chang'e-6 mission, and Guan Feng, director of the Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center of the China National Space Administration, took the stage to receive the honor on behalf of the team.
The IAF World Space Award is the International Astronautical Federation's highest honor in the field of aerospace, traditionally described as the "Oscar in Space." It is presented to individuals and teams who have made outstanding contributions to global space science, technology, engineering, or management.
Launched on May 3, 2024, aboard a Long March-5 rocket, the Chang'e-6 probe returned to Earth on June 25, 2024, bringing back 1,935.3 grams of precious lunar samples -- humanity's first-ever collection from the moon's far side.
The IAC 2025 runs until October 3, with the theme "Sustainable Space: Resilient Earth."
China's Chang'e-6 mission receives top honor at Int'l Astronautical Congress
China's Chang'e-6 mission receives top honor at Int'l Astronautical Congress
China's Chang'e-6 mission receives top honor at Int'l Astronautical Congress
China is willing to strengthen communication, enhance trust, eliminate interference, and deepen cooperation with Canada to bring bilateral relations forward on a steady and sound track in solid strides under the new circumstances, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand in Beijing on the day.
Referring to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China, the first by a Canadian prime minister in eight years, Wang said the trip marks a milestone in bilateral ties and signals a turning point in the relationship.
The leaders of the two countries will hold meetings and talks, which are expected to open up new prospects for bilateral relations, said Wang.
The world today is undergoing profound and complex changes, and the impact of China-Canada relations transcends the bilateral scope, Wang noted.
Wang said that China and Canada have different social systems, stemming from different historical and cultural heritage, and based on the choices of their respective people.
He urged both sides to view each other in a rational and amicable manner with an inclusive mindset, handle issues on the basis of mutual respect, focus on the agenda of cooperation, and send positive messages so as to foster optimism, inject greater confidence into the development of bilateral relations, and jointly build a new type of strategic partnership between China and Canada.
Anand said the new Canadian government attaches great importance to relations with China. She also added that Prime Minister Carney looks forward to engaging in in-depth exchanges with Chinese leaders during the visit to set the course for the development of bilateral relations, resume dialogue in various fields, pursue more mutually beneficial outcomes, enhance coordination and cooperation in multilateral affairs, and further advance the strategic partnership between the two countries.
China ready to work for steady, sound ties with Canada: FM
