China has planned to carry out more than 40 space mission launches in 2020.
The launch missions include lunar, interplanetary and space infrastructure missions.
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The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has said that its major goals include completing the Beidou navigation satellite system, launching missions to Mars and a lunar sample return, and test launches of three new launch vehicles, SpaceNews reported.
Other activities will include launches of the Apstar-6D communications satellite based on a new DFH-4E bus, Hongyan low-Earth orbit internet satellites, remote sensing and weather satellites and commercial payloads.
A new generation recoverable satellite for microgravity research is also slated.
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China has led the global launch tables for the past two years as it builds a range of space infrastructure comparable to major space players.
The expanding activity reflects growing ambitions in exploration, remote sensing, commercial constellations and new areas including low-Earth orbit satellite internet access.
CASC, a state-owned defense contractor, carried out 27 launches involving 66 satellites across 2019, with one failure, said board chairman Wu Yansheng.
The country carried out a total of 34 orbital launches last year.
A number of CASC’s major plans can now move forward following a successful December 27 return-to-flight of the Long March 5, China’s most powerful launcher.
The 5-meter-diameter, 57-meter-tall Long March 5 heavy-lift launch vehicle is now clear to launch China’s first independent interplanetary mission — a Mars orbiter and rover — during a narrow launch window across late July to early August.
The Long March 5 failed in its second flight in July 2017, delaying the Chang’e-5 lunar sample return mission and the construction of the Chinese Space Station.
2020 will see China attempt the first launch of a rocket capable of vertical takeoff, vertical landing.
The Long March 8 will be able to launch a 4.5-5 metric ton payload to SSO and 2.8 tons to geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO).