China launches meteorological satellite Fengyun-II 07

China successfully launched a meteorological satellite, Fengyun-II 07, Friday morning, from southwest Xichang Satellite Launch Center

China successfully launched meteorological satellite Fengyun-II 07 at 8:56 am Friday from its southwestern Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

Capable of providing continuous meteorological monitoring and sending maritime and water resource data, the satellite is expected to play an important role in weather forecasting and disaster reduction.

Developed and produced by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the orbiter will collect data for the China Meteorological Administration.

The Long March 3A rocket that was used to carry the satellite into space is a product of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, another CASC subsidiary. Friday's launch marked the 157th Long March rocket launch.

Xichang Satellite Launch Center.

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China develops largest rocket propellant tank

China has successfully developed its largest rocket propellant tank, which will be used to contain hydrogen fuel for the country's Long March-5 carrier rocket, the tank's developer said Wednesday.

The homegrown rocket tank, measuring five meters in diameter and 20-plus meters in length, consists of bottom parts and eight tubular sections, which are welded together, according to the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology.

The academy made a major technological breakthrough in the welding of such a massive-sized fuel tank, it said, adding that developing and manufacturing a propellant tank are among the most difficult tasks in building a rocket.

According to a government white paper issued last month, China will develop next-generation launch vehicles, including Long March-5, Long March-6 and Long March-7, in the 2011-2015 period.

The Long March-5 will use a non-toxic and pollution-free propellant, and will be capable of placing a 25-tonne payload into near-Earth orbit, or placing a 14-tonne payload into geostationary orbit, the paper said.

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Brain surgery robots developed by China, Japan

OPERATION THEATER 

Chinese and Japanese researchers have jointly developed a robotic system which will likely improve the success rate of surgical brain vascular intervention.

The research team has completed the process of testing the system on animals, proving its feasibility and efficiency during vascular intervention surgery (VIS) to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, said Professor Wang Tianmiao with the Robotics Institute from Beihang University.

The system is composed of a master controller, a terminal and a screen with an image navigation system.

Beijing PLA Navy General Hospital

Doctors operate from the master controller, with the three-dimensional blood vessel image on the screen, and transmit movement to the robotic terminal, capable of inserting a tube into a blood vessel. Sensors are installed on the tube, transmitting contact information between the tube and the vessel wall so as to ensure the accuracy of the insertion, which significantly improves the effect of the intervention.

Initiated in 2009, the system was co-developed by Japan-based Kagawa University, the Beijing-based PLA Navy General Hospital (NGH) and Beihang University.

 Kagawa University,Japan.

Prof. Tian Zengmin, director of the Neurosurgery Department of the NGH, said the system allows doctors to perform vascular intervention operations accurately and eliminates their risk of radiation exposure.

Tian said the project had cost the three parties nearly 20 million yuan ($3.17 million), mostly from the two countries' government scientific research funds, and that the system can be put into application within one year if research goes smoothly.

During the tests on animals, the remote control function allowed surgery to be carried out by Kagawa on subjects in Beijing.

Prof. Guo Shuxiang with the Kagawa University said the system also helped with communication between doctors from different places and training young doctors, as remote control allowed more people outside the surgery room to monitor the surgery process.

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Asia's biggest toy fair opens in HK

Environmentally friendly toys, stationery and baby products have attracted more than 2,600 exhibitors to four trade fairs, which kicked off Monday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

 

Visitors look at toy cars at Hong Kong's Toys and Games Fair Jan 9, 2012.

The Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Asia's largest, and the Hong Kong Baby Products Fair are organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). The HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd are staging the concurrent Hong Kong International Stationery Fair. The three product fairs are complemented by the Hong Kong International Licensing Show. Together, they have drawn more than 130 buying missions and over 8,800 buyers from around the world.

The Toys & Games Fair welcomes first-time participants from Greece, Macao, Russia and Ukraine. Group pavilions bring together companies from the Chinese mainland, India, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan and Thailand. Other highlights include the World of Toys Pavilion, a new Animal Kingdom product zone, the return of the Eco Toys Display Zone and Brand Name Gallery, which boasts a record 80 exhibitors -- 30 percent more than last year.

The concurrent licensing show, which is the 10th edition this year, attracts more than 170 exhibitors from 16 countries and regions and featuring over 500 properties. Debuting at the show are the game phenomenon "Angry Birds," as well as the mainland's " Shan Mao" and "Pororo the Little Penguin" from South Korea.

During the series of exhibitions, seminars will be organized for exhibitors and participants to discuss latest trends and designs in the business of toy as well as baby products.

A statutory body established in 1966, the HKTDC is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers. With more than 40 global offices, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with the Chinese mainland and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organizes trade fairs and business missions to connect companies with opportunities in Hong Kong and on the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online.

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