Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, April 24th, by wire
Xi Jinping's letter to the old scientists involved in the "Dongfanghong No. 1" mission
Sun Jiadong, Wang Xiji and other old comrades:
Hello, I received the letter. As a participant in the mission of "Dongfanghong No. 1", you are deeply involved in the motherland's spaceflight in your youth, and you still care about the future of the motherland's spaceflight in your old age. I am deeply moved.
Fifty years ago, the "Dongfanghong-1" satellite was successfully launched. I was very excited to hear this news in Liangjiahe, northern Shaanxi. At that time, you were indignant and hardworking, creating extraordinary achievements that made people of all ethnic groups proud of the country, and demonstrated the great spirit of self-improvement of the Chinese nation. The merits of the older generation of astronauts have been firmly inscribed in the annals of New China. No matter how the conditions change, the spirit of self-reliance and hard work cannot be lost. The aerospace workers of the new era should follow the example of the older generation of astronauts, vigorously promote the "two bombs and one star" spirit, dare to overcome all difficulties and obstacles, be brave to climb the peak of aerospace science and technology, and allow the Chinese to explore the space more stable and farther Early realization of the great dream of building a powerful space nation.
I wish you health and longevity and a happy life!
Xi Jinping
April 23, 2020