In 1965, a proposal was adopted to put a 100 kg satellite in orbit by 1971. In 1970, the first satellite was successfully placed in orbit.
How was it possible for China’s scientists to research, build, and send the satellite to orbit during the turmoil created by the Cultural Revolution [1966-1976]?
The answer lies again in the foresight and wisdom of the eminence grise, Zhao En Lai.
Zhao saw at the beginning of the Cultural Revolution Red Guard factions fighting for control of the space programme ministries.
Zhao immediately imposed martial war within all defense-related ministries and shifted control of the military and space programme to the People’s Liberation Army [“PLA”] under a PLA General.
This way Zhou insulated the space programme from the power struggles going on inside China.
By the end of 1970, the Seventh Ministry, which was in charge of the satellite project, had 250,000 staff. This was a remarkable achievement during the height of the Cultural Revolution. [p 11].
The political support of Premier Zhou, the political and military connections of the Long March veteran General Nie Rong Shen, and the technical expertise and leadership provided by the US-trained Quian Xuesen were the pillars around which China’s Space Programme was built.
The connections between Zhou and Nie were long, strong, and enduring.
General Nie was a protege of Zhou. Both were students together in Europe, especially Paris.
[See pages 3 to 17].