Beijing: Buoyed by the success of its first manned space mission, China on October 16 announced that it would now concentrate on launching lunar and outer space probe programmes to exploit the space for peaceful purposes.

"China would strive for breakthroughs in space rendezvous and docking technology for launching a space lab and eventually a manned space station," Deputy Chief Commander of China's manned space programme, Zhang Qingwei said.

A manned space station will enable China to carry out large-scale scientific experiments and applications in space, Zhang said, hours after China's first manned spacecraft, 'Shenzhou V' landed safely along with its astronaut Yang Liwei

Zhang, also general manager of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CAST), said the space plans are necessary for China to exploit space resources for peaceful purposes.

Space-based infrastructure, including the planned space lab and station, will serve as a platform for deep space probe, he said.

The CAST, manufacturer of China's spacecraft and launch vehicles, will plan for the development of space lab and its launch vehicle and technology for space rendezvous and docking.

PTI