"The successful launching of the space mission is a glorious achievement that will be as significant as the 'two bombs and one satellite' (the testing of the atomic and hydrogen bombs and China's first satellite)," Minister of Science and Technology Xu Guanghua said.

"It is a glorious milestone in the history of our country's scientific and technological development.

"It will be written into the history of the Chinese nation and the technological history of the world," Xu was quoted by the Xinhua news agency as saying.

He was referring to the testing of China's first atomic bomb in 1964, its first hydrogen bomb in 1967 as well as the launching of the country's first satellite into orbit in 1970.

Xu made his remarks after the successful completion of China's first manned space mission Thursday, which is the anniversary of the testing of China's first atomic bomb.

"China's manned space program shows our country's space science and technology has entered into the advanced position in the world," Xu said. "Our country has taken an important role in the world's high-tech fields.

"This shows our country's ability for self-innovation is increasing dramatically in recent years," he said.

SPACE.WIRE