Launched on Sept. 25, 2008, Shenzhou-7 was China's third manned space mission and first three-man mission. Taikonaut Zhai performed a 20-minute spacewalk, making China the world's third nation to independently carry out a spacewalk.

The crew conducted a number of experiments, including releasing a miniaturized satellite that took photos and videos near the spacecraft, maneuvered to about 120 miles away and then returned to orbit the spacecraft after the return module had separated and re-entered the atmosphere.

The Space Achievement Award is presented annually to an individual or organization for significant contributions in advancing the exploration, development, or utilization of space.

Previous recipients include the United States Air Force, the Arianespace-CNES Ariane 4 Launch Team, the Hubble Space Telescope Team, NASA/Industry Galileo Space probe team and the International Space Station Team, etc.

Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is an international nonprofit organization. The 25th National Space Symposium, held from March 30 to April 2, is expected to bring together over 7,500delegates from all sectors of space -- civil, commercial, national security, new space entrepreneurship, and finance, to highlight accomplishments and address opportunities and challenges facing the global space.

Themed The Next Space Age, this year's meeting looks at major shifts in the economies, philosophies, and mechanics of the global space industry.

-- Click for more news in Tech Max >>

Editor:Yang Jie