Chinese people "are expected to realize their dream of space travel in 20 years," said a senior official with China's space industry at a recent symposium.

　　Yuan Jiajun, chief commander of China's space program and president of the China Academy of Space Technology, said China will "establish a sound mechanism to commercialize its space technology," which may spur China's manned space flights.

　　He stressed that two fundamental problems should be addressed to develop space tourism: "Lowering the cost and ensuring safety."

　　Research in space mainly serves the national economy and national defense, Yuan said. He expressed his belief that in the near future, space technology will be used extensively for civilian purposes.