Please evaluate the comparison of the aerospace industry between China and Japan based on examples.

China: In February 1956, the famous scientist Qian Xuesen proposed the "Opinions on Establishing China's Defense Aviation Industry" to the central government.

In March 1956, the State Council formulated the "Outline of the Long-term Plan for the Development of Science and Technology from 1956 to 1967 (Draft)", which proposed that China would become a jet fuel within 12 years. and rocket technology embarked on the path of independent development.

In April 1956, the Aviation Industry Commission of the People's Republic of China was established to provide unified leadership for China's aviation and rocket industry. Nie Rongzhen serves as the director, and Huang Kecheng and Zhao Erlu serve as deputy directors.

On May 10, 1956, Vice Premier Nie Rongzhen proposed "Preliminary Opinions on Establishing China's Missile Research Work" to the central government. On May 26, Premier Zhou Enlai presided over a meeting of the Central Military Commission to discuss and agree, and tasked the Aviation Commission with organizing missile management agencies and research institutions.

On October 15, 1956, Vice Premier Nie Rongzhen reported to the Central Committee on the development of China's missile industry, proposing that missile research should be based on "self-reliance, striving for foreign aid and utilizing existing foreign science." results" policy. On the 17th, the central government approved the report.

In January 1958, the Ministry of National Defense formulated a ten-year development plan for jet and rocket technology (1958-1967).

After the launch of the Soviet Union’s first artificial earth satellite, some famous Chinese scientists suggested conducting research on the Chinese satellite project. Some institutions of higher learning have also begun to carry out relevant academic activities. Scientists such as Qian Xuesen and Zhao Jiuzhang of the Chinese Academy of Sciences were responsible for formulating a draft plan for the development of artificial satellites, code-named the "581" mission. The "581 Group" was established and agreed to establish three design courtyards. In August, the First Design Institute was established. In November, it moved to Shanghai and was renamed Shanghai Mechanical and Electrical Design Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

In April 1958, construction of China's first launch vehicle launch site began.

On May 17, 1958, Chairman Mao Zedong pointed out at the Second Session of the Eighth National Congress of the Communist Party of China: "We also want to build artificial satellites."

19 On February 19, 1960, an experimental liquid-fuel sounding rocket designed and manufactured by China was successfully launched for the first time. In September, the sounding rocket was successfully launched.

On November 5, 1960, the first launch test of China's imitation of the Soviet "P-2" missile was successful.

On March 21, 1962, China’s first independently developed medium- and short-range rocket failed in its launch test. In January 1963, the Chinese Academy of Sciences established the Interstellar Navigation Committee, led by Zhu Kezhen, Pei Lisheng, Qian Xuesen, Zhao Jiuzhang and others, to study and formulate long-term plans for interstellar navigation.

On April 29, 1964, the National Defense Science and Technology Commission reported to the Central Committee that it envisaged launching China's first artificial satellite in 1970 or 1971.

On June 29, 1964, China's self-developed medium and short-range rocket was successfully launched again.

On July 19, 1964, the first biological rocket was successfully launched.

In 1965, the Central Special Committee approved the launch vehicle development plan for 1965-1972 formulated by the Seventh Ministry of Machinery Industry.

The Central Special Committee has tasked the Chinese Academy of Sciences with formulating a development plan for the satellite series.

In October 1965, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, commissioned by the National Defense Science and Technology Commission, held the first artificial satellite program demonstration meeting.

On June 30, 1966, Premier Zhou Enlai inspected the Jiuquan carrier rocket launch base, watched the medium and short-range rocket launch test, and congratulated on the successful launch.

On October 27, 1966, the nuclear missile launch test was successful. The warhead accurately hits the target and achieves a nuclear explosion.

In November 1966, the development of the "Long March 1" carrier rocket and the "Dongfanghong 1" artificial satellite began.

On December 26, 1966, the first flight test of the medium-range rocket developed by China was basically successful.

In 1967, the "Peace 2" solid fuel weather rocket was successfully tested.

On February 20, 1968, the Space Technology Research Institute was established.

On January 30, 1970, the first successful medium- and long-range rocket flight test was achieved.

On April 24, 1970, the "Dongfanghong-1" artificial satellite was successfully launched. This is the first artificial satellite launched by China. Chairman Mao Zedong and other leaders met with representatives of satellite and launch vehicle developers at the Tiananmen Gate Tower on May Day.

On March 3, 1971, China launched the scientific experimental satellite "Shijian-1". The satellite worked in its intended orbit for eight years.

On September 10, 1971, the first flight test of the intercontinental rocket was basically successful.

On November 26, 1975, China launched a returnable artificial satellite. The satellite returned to the ground on the 29th as scheduled.

On January 7, 1979, the long-range rocket tested a new launch method and achieved success.

On May 18, 1980, China successfully launched a long-range launch vehicle into predetermined waters in the Pacific Ocean.

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission sent congratulatory messages. On June 10, a celebration meeting was held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Deng Xiaoping, Hu Yaobang, Li Xiannian, Chen Yun, Peng Zhen, Xu Xiangqian and other leaders attended. Hu Yaobang made an important speech.

On September 20, 1981, China launched three scientific experiment satellites with one launch vehicle.

On October 12, 1982, the underwater launch of the carrier rocket by a submarine was successful, and the recovery capsule accurately landed in the predetermined sea area. The Central Military Commission of China sent a congratulatory message.

On April 8, 1984, China’s first geostationary orbit experimental communication satellite was successfully launched. On the 16th, the satellite successfully positioned itself over the equator at 125 degrees east longitude. The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission sent congratulatory messages. On the 30th, a celebration meeting was held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

On April 8, 1984, China’s first geostationary orbit experimental communication satellite was successfully launched. On the 16th, the satellite successfully positioned itself over the equator at 125 degrees east longitude. The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission sent congratulatory messages. On the 30th, a celebration meeting was held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

On February 1, 1986, China launched a practical communications and broadcast satellite. On the 20th, the satellite was successfully positioned. This marks that China has fully mastered launch vehicle technology and that satellite communications have entered the practical stage from the experimental stage.

On September 7, 1988, China launched an experimental meteorological satellite "Fengyun-1". This is the first polar-orbiting weather satellite developed and launched by China.

On December 25, 1988, the Hainan Sounding Rocket Launch Site of the Chinese Academy of Sciences successfully launched a "Vega-1" rocket. So far, the first launch of a rocket in low latitudes in China The rocket sounding test concluded successfully. The two-week trial involved the launch of four rockets.

On April 7, 1990, China's self-developed "Long March 3" carrier rocket launched the U.S.-made Asia 1 communications satellite into the predetermined orbit at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, marking the first time A complete success was achieved in launching satellites for foreign users.

At 9:40 on July 16, 1990, China's newly developed high-thrust launch vehicle, the Long March-2 strap-on launch vehicle, was successfully launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The satellite was put into its intended orbit. This rocket was launched from China's newly built large-scale space launch facility. It also carried and launched a small scientific experiment satellite for Pakistan.

At 18:23 pm on January 22, 1991, China’s first 120-kilometer-high-altitude low-latitude sounding rocket-"Weaver Girl 3" The launch test at the Hainan Sounding Launch Site of the Chinese Academy of Sciences was successful. On February 22, 1994, China's first maritime satellite ground station passed acceptance inspection. Its completion has filled a gap in China's high technology.

On May 2, 1998, the "Chang 2C" improved launch vehicle developed and produced by China was successfully launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. This marks that China has the competitiveness to participate in the international medium and low orbit commercial launch market

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center has set nine firsts in China’s space history

The nine firsts include: < /p>

In September 1960, China’s first short-range missile was successfully launched.

In November 1960, China successfully launched its first medium-range missile.

In October 1966, China successfully launched its first "two-bomb combination" missile carrying a nuclear warhead.

In April 1970, China's first artificial earth satellite "Dongfanghong-1" was successfully launched.

In November 1975, China's first returnable satellite was successfully launched.

In May 1980, China successfully launched its first intercontinental missile.

In September 1981, China successfully launched three satellites with one launch vehicle for the first time in the "one rocket, multiple satellites" method.

In August 1987, China provided satellite launch services for foreign satellites for the first time at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.

In November 1999, China's manned space program conducted its first flight test here and successfully launched China's first test spacecraft "Shenzhou 1".

China's manned space project was launched in 1992. In just four years, the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center was built into China's first modern manned space launch site. The center is located on the banks of the Weushui River originating from the Qilian Mountains, with an average altitude of 1,100 meters and a flat terrain, mostly Gobi and desert. The natural environment is harsh: cold winters and hot summers, with an annual minimum temperature of minus 34 degrees Celsius and a maximum temperature of 42.8 degrees Celsius.

Japan: In 1978, the Japan Space Development Committee formulated Japan's first long-term space development plan, the "Japan Space Development Basic Outline." The Space Development Committee is a standing advisory body to the Prime Minister of Japan on aerospace policy. It consists of 5 people. The director of the Science and Technology Agency also serves as the chairman. The decisions it makes are generally considered to be a reflection of the country's highest decisions.

Since the publication of the first "Basic Outline", it has been revised every 5 to 6 years.

Before each revision, Japan must prepare a long-term outlook report on aerospace development forecasts for the next 30 years. Japan published the fourth such report in July last year, and its content will be adopted in the revision of the "Basic Outline" to be carried out next year. This article will summarize the main contents of this document.

During the Cold War, world space activities were mainly dominated by the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union for national prestige and military advantage. Today after the Cold War, space activities need new strategies and reasons. At present, all countries attach great importance to the economy and effectiveness of space development, and even more emphasis on the importance of civil aerospace. For major aerospace projects that will affect the future of mankind, such as earth observation projects to protect the environment, countries will also conduct extensive international cooperation.

Japan’s space activities have also entered a new stage. Compared with the United States and the former Soviet Union, Japan's aerospace industry started late. In order to enhance its aerospace capabilities, Japan has made great efforts and achieved world-recognized results in the field of space science. In terms of practical applications, Japan has reached international levels in some fields. Japan is currently making full use of its technological advantages to further promote the development of aerospace.

The full text of the new outlook report compiled based on the above-mentioned changes in domestic and international situations is approximately 80 pages and is divided into two parts. The first part is an overview, and the second part details the prospects for future aerospace activities in various fields. This article only introduces the content of the first part.

1. The purpose and significance of developing aerospace

Japan has always regarded peaceful uses in the civilian field as the only purpose of developing aerospace. Other countries, especially the United States and Russia after the Cold War, are gradually shifting their aerospace focus from projects aimed at improving national prestige to projects aimed at converting military space technology into civilian applications, while also developing projects focused on the future prosperity of mankind. and the development of advanced aerospace technology. Japan's purpose of developing aerospace is consistent with the overall trend of world aerospace development.

1. Purpose

The basic purpose of aerospace (or "space development") should be to "enter the vast sky and regard the unlimited potential of space as the goal of all mankind." "Use the same wealth to fully and effectively contribute to the lasting prosperity of mankind on earth." If relevant countries can follow this purpose when carrying out space activities, it will deepen mutual understanding and trust, thereby promoting international cooperation. Social development and stability are conducive to world peace.

There are many systems that will be deployed in space that can be established through cooperation and coordination on a global scale to provide a common social or economic foundation for all mankind. In this sense such systems can be built as part of a "global socio-economic infrastructure". Efforts to develop such space systems must be intensified.

2. Significance

The significance of developing aerospace can be seen from its necessity. The work that needs to be carried out in the first 25 years of the 21st century is as follows:

(1) Try to answer some of the most basic questions of mankind through scientific research in space (such as how did the universe and the solar system originate? What is its structure? How did life on earth originate and evolve?), thereby expanding the scientific frontier and creating a new culture.

(2) Expand the scope of human activities and extend life span, including:

·While protecting the environment, use earth observation technology to improve natural resource development and land use;

·Through the deployment of communication and broadcast satellites, navigation assistance systems for vehicles, ships and aircraft, and meteorological and earth observation satellites for weather forecasting and disaster monitoring, we will improve the quality of life and build a safer and more efficient environment. A dynamic social and economic system;

·The unique environment of space is developing and producing new materials and new drugs.

(3) Through the development of advanced aerospace technology, create new technologies and industries on Earth in the fields of computers, electronics, robotics, communications, information processing, and environmental protection.

(4) Through large-scale multilateral space projects, we can enhance mutual understanding and trust between countries and make the international community more stable and developed.

(5) Stimulate the imagination and curiosity of the next generation, and promote the progress of human society in science and technology and many other knowledge fields through aerospace.

2. Japan’s basic attitude and policy towards aerospace

According to the new trends in the international aerospace field after the Cold War, it is necessary for Japan to clarify its basic attitude and policy towards aerospace. Under the condition that strict compliance with the principle that space development is limited to peaceful purposes, Japan will strengthen its aerospace work according to the following principles.

(1) Actively carry out space exploration and deepen our understanding of the earth.

(2) Strive to develop innovative technologies that can be inherited by the next generation and used to expand the scope of human activities in space.

(3) Efforts should be made to make the international community accept the above-mentioned purpose and significance of aerospace in order to enhance international cooperation.

The above is Japan’s basic attitude towards aerospace. Japan's basic policy plan for aerospace is:

(1) Japan is eager to enter unknown new fields, so it will further develop existing aerospace technology and strive to develop innovative technologies and systems to promote the world's aerospace industry. development.

(2) Japan will promote international cooperation through the following channels:

·Utilize the technology it has mastered to participate in international aerospace activities. Japan will do everything possible to propose cooperation proposals to international partners in the future.

·In the fields of earth observation and space science, we will jointly build observation systems, install remote sensors for observation on satellites and space detectors of other countries, and exchange observation data with each other. and establishing a global data network to promote international cooperation.

·From program demonstration to the end of the development process, we will try our best to create opportunities for exchange of opinions and consultations. Japan will pay special attention to aerospace cooperation with Asia-Pacific countries and will provide these countries with more opportunities for space research and participation in cooperation.

(3) Japan will strive to create a social environment conducive to people's extensive use of the results of space development. The Japanese Space Development Agency should actively encourage researchers to establish close contact with users to ensure that user requirements can be met to the greatest extent.

(4) In order for various space activities to be regarded as part of people's daily life, it is necessary to reduce the cost of space development. To this end, Japan will do everything possible to develop an effective and economical space system and significantly reduce launch costs and space segment operating costs.

(5) Japan will continue to implement the aerospace development policy of improving and improving the functions of unmanned space systems. In terms of manned spaceflight, Japan will cooperate with other countries in the construction and use of the International Space Station. After the International Space Station is no longer used, Japan will seek to play a more active role in international manned space activities.

(6) Future space programs must further consider the protection of the space environment. New space systems should be designed to reduce the generation of space debris as much as possible.

(7) Efforts must be made to ensure that space development is widely understood and recognized by society in order to obtain sufficient public support. This work can be carried out in a systematic and effective manner, such as by the Space Development Committee conducting appropriate evaluation and review during the project implementation process.

3. Goals and Time Arrangement

1. Basic Goals

The following are Japan’s main aerospace tasks in the next 15 years:

(1) Establishing a global observing system Japan will take steps to complete the construction of the international Global Observing System (GEOS) around 2010. Japan aims to be responsible for developing about a quarter of the system's satellites. As one of the countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Japan will work with other countries in the region to build a data network to share and effectively utilize observational data.

(2) Promote the implementation of advanced space science programs In the field of space science, Japan will further expand its exploration activities of planets and other small celestial bodies in the solar system. The M-5 launch vehicle currently under development will be used to launch medium-sized detectors. In the first decade of the 21st century, Japan will launch large scientific satellites using H-2 rockets to conduct unprecedented planetary scientific research, including the study of planets farther than Jupiter.

In terms of lunar exploration, Japan will study the feasibility of implementing a continuous and systematic unmanned lunar exploration plan. The program will include lunar observations from satellites and exploration of the lunar surface with landers and rovers.

(3) Fully carry out space activities using on-orbit laboratories. The International Space Station plan will greatly affect the world's aerospace development in the 21st century. To this end, Japan will do its best to make this plan a success and will strengthen cooperation with cooperation among participating countries. The Japanese Experiment Module on the International Space Station will become Japan's first on-orbit laboratory. Japan will establish a comprehensive research system to better coordinate research activities in Japan's experimental cabins and experiments on the ground. This will definitely promote research on the utilization of space environment and create new disciplines and technical fields. At the same time, Japan will also strive to accumulate experience in manned spaceflight and establish a corresponding technical foundation. In line with the goal of increasing cooperation opportunities with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Japan will develop research in the Japan Laboratory that meets the needs of these countries. After the International Space Station enters a stable operation stage, Japan will study the possibility of sending experts in the fields of culture, art, humanities and social sciences as well as ordinary citizens into space.

(4) Establish and use new aerospace infrastructure Japan will continue to improve and optimize its H-2 launch vehicle to meet various launch needs in the first decade of the 21st century. Japan will also begin to develop an advanced model of the H-2 rocket (H-2A) to further reduce transportation costs and improve carrying capacity. The H-1A will be able to deliver approximately 20 tons of payload to low Earth orbit or 4 tons of payload to geostationary orbit. Japan will continue to pursue the development of an unmanned, winged Kibo transfer and return vehicle to deliver supplies to the International Space Station and conduct microgravity experiments.

From 2010 to 2020, Japan will strive to significantly reduce the cost of space transportation and reduce launch costs to an order of magnitude lower than at present. To this end, Japan will continue to conduct advance research and development around a fully reusable space transportation system that adopts new design solutions.

Japan will systematically conduct other research and development activities through international cooperation, including experiments in space environment utilization and on-orbit equipment replacement. Systems to be studied include unmanned space platforms, orbital maintenance robots or aircraft, and communication networks between ground stations and satellites (data relay and tracking satellite systems). 2. Other goals In the next 30 years, with the accumulation of work experience in the space environment, Japan may also implement the following projects: (1) From about 2010 onwards, Japan will conduct lunar exploration jointly by several countries. Based on the results of unmanned lunar exploration activities, an astronomical observatory was built on the lunar surface through international cooperation. Japan will prepare for this cooperation by undertaking appropriate research and development efforts. (2) Communications, broadcasting and navigation The fields of communications, broadcasting and navigation are developing rapidly, and the types of services are also increasing. To meet new business needs, Japan will develop new technologies in areas such as personal and mobile communications, digital three-dimensional high-definition live broadcasts, and aircraft, ship and car navigation. In addition to using existing technologies for verification on large satellites and Japanese experimental modules, Japan will further develop small and medium-sized satellites, take advantage of their technical characteristics and economies of scale, and research more advanced systems specifically designed for such systems. technology. The Japanese government will implement some plans that have a high probability of success. In this regard, attention will be paid to how to divide the respective roles of the government and the private sector. (3) Space environment utilization Before the International Space Station begins work, Japan will continue to make maximum use of existing facilities (drop towers, aircraft, sounding rockets, unmanned return-type free-flying vehicles, and the U.S. space shuttle), and Microgravity experiments will be conducted through international collaboration when needed. Japan will formulate a comprehensive research plan so that the Space Development Agency and national research institutions can fully cooperate in developing research activities. After the International Space Station begins work and the Japanese experimental module is fully put into use, Japan may still need a better microgravity environment than the Japanese experimental module to conduct experimental work. In this case, Hope and an unmanned space platform that permanently stays in space will be used. The development of manned space platforms will be carried out through international cooperation. Japan is preparing to play a more important role in the construction and deployment of the next-generation International Space Station. Japan will also use the Japanese Experimental Module and other space platforms to conduct verification tests for space solar energy applications. (4) Manned space activities In the near future, Japan will need to conduct international cooperation with other developed countries in manned space activities. In the near future, Japan will also first accumulate experience in manned spaceflight through the use of Japanese experimental modules. Other technologies that need to be addressed include remote control and telescience support technology for manned spaceflight, controlled environment and life support system technology, and aerospace medicine (including astronaut health care management and a deeper understanding of spaceflight diseases). After the International Space Station is no longer in use, manned space technology and experience will be fully utilized to prepare for future development projects (such as building the next generation International Space Station and carrying out manned lunar landing activities) through international cooperation. (5) Construction and use of aerospace infrastructure Japan is prepared to build and use its various aerospace infrastructure in accordance with the principle of equal use, so that the systems within the infrastructure can also support the aerospace activities of other countries. (6) Transportation system Japan will carry out basic research and pre-research work to develop an experimental aerospace aircraft that can take off and land horizontally and enter earth orbit. This work will be carried out as part of an international project to be implemented in the second decade of the 21st century. (7) Support system Japan will build a launch site for the H-2A, an improved model of the H-1 rocket, and select a landing site for the Hope small space shuttle. Japan may also want to study the possibility of using overseas launch sites to supplement its domestic launch sites. Japan will jointly establish and use with other countries around 2005 a system for monitoring the increasing amount of space debris and a system for predicting cosmic ray activity. 4. Talent training and aerospace publicity 1. Research and engineering technicians Japan should implement systematic education and training for its researchers and engineering technicians in the fields of aerospace-related earth sciences, aerospace medicine, space materials science and life sciences. to cultivate the talents needed for future space programs. Training is also provided in areas such as humanities and social sciences, space law and aerospace psychology. The younger generation is the new force that will challenge the unknown world in the future and will shoulder the important responsibility of the future development of aerospace. In order to cultivate their interest in aerospace, there should be appropriate aerospace education materials in textbooks. Teachers and students should be provided with as many opportunities as possible to learn about aerospace technology on site, such as organizing aerospace summer camps, so as to create a social environment that can inspire young people to engage in aerospace careers. Japan will provide comprehensive support for young researchers at universities and colleges to conduct experiments using small satellites and to communicate with overseas scholars. As Japan seeks to expand its aerospace cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, it will provide support to researchers and engineering technicians in these countries. 2. Strive for public understanding. Compared with other scientific and technological projects, aerospace requires relatively large investments. Therefore, public understanding and cooperation are essential for the development of aerospace.

Japan believes that frankly telling the public the true situation of Japan's space program is a wise and effective choice, but the government and the private sector must work together to strengthen publicity to obtain the best publicity effect. 5. Encourage the private sector to participate in aerospace activities. Most Japanese aerospace equipment manufacturers participate in the national aerospace program. Unlike aerospace companies in Western countries, it is difficult for them to launch their own space programs. There is still much, much more work to be done to improve their capabilities and expand their commercial space activities. To this end, the Japanese government must create a good environment for the private sector to strengthen its role in aerospace. 6. Strengthen the activities of relevant agencies 1. Space Development Committee The Space Development Committee will improve its space policy by formulating a medium-term space plan, conducting appropriate evaluation of development activities, and publicizing Japan's space program to the public. 2. Space agencies

In order for space development efforts to achieve significant results, the responsibilities of each space agency must be clarified, and the connections between these agencies and their cooperation with users and researchers should be strengthened. The following are some of the tasks that need to be developed:

(1) When carrying out advanced space science programs, the Institute of Space Science and the Space Development Agency must cooperate with each other, and they must also cooperate with other relevant research institutions ( Such as the National Astronomical Observatory) *** share the corresponding work.

(2) At present, Japan has not established a corresponding management system in terms of earth observation, earth science and space environment utilization projects. In this case it is necessary to further strengthen the cooperation between development departments and user institutions.

(3) Innovation is a very important factor affecting the future development of Japan’s aerospace industry. From a long-term perspective, it is extremely important to introduce new concepts into basic research and preliminary research work. This requires national research institutions such as the Institute of Astronautical Science and the Institute of Aerospace Technology, as well as government research institutions such as the Space Development Agency, to pay special attention to innovative research. Some universities and colleges are also expected to carry out corresponding research activities.

3. Funding guarantee

Despite the relatively small budget, Japan's aerospace projects are generally successful. It is extremely important to give these projects strong safeguards from now on.

In the next 15 years starting from fiscal year 1995, Japan’s investment in aerospace is estimated to be approximately 7 trillion yen. The specific allocation is: 1.2 trillion yen for the Advanced Space Science Program; Earth Observation/Earth Science, communications, broadcasting and navigation 2 trillion yen; International Space Station activities, space environment utilization and manned space activities 1.8 trillion yen; Space infrastructure 2 trillion yen. Japan's future space projects will be implemented in a systematic and flexible manner in accordance with this budget plan, and further evaluation and review will be conducted in due course.