| This dissertation examines the history of China's space program during the first three decades of its existence, from 1956 to 1986. Its major contribution is that it is the first study to be written in English that draws extensively on Chinese language sources of information. In addition, it offers the most comprehensive knowledge about Chinese space activities, policies, decision-making, and space organization appearing outside of China.; This study examines how the space program survived and thrived in these chaotic times, which included the Anti-Rightist campaign (1957), the Great Leap Forward (1958–9), mass starvation (1960–2), the Cultural Revolution (1966–76), and economic reform (after 1979). Two primary sources of success are identified: (1) The space program continually received support from the highest levels of government, no matter who was in charge—Mao Zedong at the outset, Zhou Enlai (the program's single most significant supporter) in 1956–76, Lin Biao in 1969–1971, the Gang of Four in 1971–1976, and Zhao Ziyang and Li Peng in 1983–1989. (2) The engineers, administrators, and workers in the space program—a highly talented and persistent lot consistently rose to whatever challenges they encountered. Chiefs among these were Marshal Nie Rongzhen, the program's political father, and Dr. Qian Xuesen, its technical father. Beyond these two important players, the second tier of leadership comprised primarily of Western-educated engineers, worked relentlessly to make the space program successful. Even rank-and-file engineers and technicians dedicated themselves selflessly to achieving the program's goals during dangerous period.; The study is divided into two major parts. The first examines government policy toward the space program during 1956–1986, beginning with Mao Zedong's call to establish Big Science in China through Deng Xiaoping's initiative to reform the defense industry. The second looks at the evolution of the space agency organization during this same time period, highlighting the seminal efforts of key players such as Zhou Enlai, Marshal Nie Rongzhen, and Dr. Qian Xuesen, and emphasizing the responsiveness of the agency to deal with changes in its mission. |
