Flames shoot from the base of the Long March-3B rocket on the launch pad as Chang'e-3 begins its journey to the moon. [Photo/Xinhua]

A small step toward a big future

Witnessing the Long March-3B rocket blast off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center and seeing the scientists and technicians hugging each other was a truly emotional moment.

As I watched from a mountain top observation point high above the launch pad in the chilly morning, I saw the rocket emit a dazzling trail of fire, while the thunder of the rising colossus stunned me and shook the earth.

The lunar rover Yutu, or "Jade Rabbit", will connect a long-cherished dream of the Chinese people with the glorious history of human expeditions to the moon. A history that has been suspended for nearly four decades.

"That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind," said Neil Armstrong, the first human to stand on the surface of the moon. I have remembered those words since the first time I heard them, and they continue to inspire me. They made me believe that some fundamental aspirations - love, peace, beauty, truth, happiness and the immortal spirit of exploration - are shared and cherished by all human beings.

Many people had made long trips from all over China to the small town of Xichang to see the launch. They told me they were proud of China's latest achievement and that the country has become one of the world's strongest countries in terms of science and technology.

I shared their feelings. However, more important, in my opinion, is that the decision to send the probe means humankind has revived its ambition and determination to explore the moon.

At a news briefing in Xichang, Liu Xiaoqun, a senior scientist with China's lunar exploration program, said the scientific discoveries made during the mission will be made available to researchers across the globe. He added that China hopes access to the material will facilitate their work and consequently benefit all the peoples of the world.

I think that this is a suitable response to those who are suspicious of China's intentions in space, or who claim the country is sparking a new "space race" among the major powers.

Scientists I spoke with at the Xichang center said that in the near future, China will build its own space lab, explore Mars and then send probes further out into deep space.

These future achievements will eventually be used to serve and improve the well-being of the Chinese people and the entire human race, they said.

"More glorious chapters in the story of mankind's peaceful development of space are in front of us," they added.

Irrespective of whether you believe their remarks or not, history and our children, or possibly our children's children, will make the final judgment.

Just wait and see, please.