BEIJING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) — The following is a summary of published science and technology news of China:

SPACE COOPERATION

China welcomes scientists from all over the world, including those from the United States, to apply for lunar samples through appropriate channels in accordance with application procedures issued by the country, spokesperson for the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said Friday.

Xu Hongliang made the statement in response to recent remarks by U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns, noting that China attaches great importance to international cooperation in space and is always open to space exchanges with the United States.

CIVIL MANNED AIRSHIP

The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has issued a type certificate to the country’s independently-developed AS700 civil manned airship, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).

AVIC Special Vehicle Research Institute developed the AS700 civil airship in compliance with the CAAC airworthiness regulations and it also has independent property rights over this manned airship, said AVIC, China’s leading aircraft manufacturer.

The single-capsule manned airship has a single-point landing gear. It has a maximum take-off weight of 4,150 kg, a maximum flight range of 700 km, and a maximum endurance of 10 hours.

KNITTABLE FIBER

A team of Chinese scientists has developed a knittable fiber with exceptional thermal insulation drawing inspiration from polar bear fur.

According to a study published on Friday in the journal Science, this encapsulated aerogel fiber is washable, dyeable, durable and well-suited for use in advanced textiles.

Mimicking the bear’s core-shell structure, the researchers created a strong aerogel fiber with lamellar pores, which effectively traps the infrared radiation close to the skin and maintains mechanical robustness, making it suitable for knitting or weaving.