ALBAWABA - In an effort to show that it is the leader in space research, China announces its big plans for 2024. As part of its national space program, it wants to make 100 launches, which has never been done before.
China's main contractor for space projects, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), announced these plans. They are a big step up in China's space powers.
More than 300 satellites and vehicles will be sent into orbit by the launches throughout the year. This is a big increase in China's yearly launch frequency.
CASC will be in charge of 70 launches using its Long March rockets, which are the most important part of China's space system. In the meantime, private companies will help with the rest of the launches by using their own rocket systems.
This plan comes after China successfully launched 67 satellites in 2023, with 17 of those launches being carried out by private companies. This shows that the government and private companies are working together more and more on China's space projects.
As part of the Chang'e program, six reconnaissance vehicles will be sent to the Moon in 2024 as one of the most important tasks. The launch of the "Queqiao 2" communications satellite will also make it possible to communicate with the far side of the moon, which will make it easier to get rock and earth samples.
Also, the Variable Space Objects Monitoring Satellite (SVOM), which was made in partnership with France, and the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES), which was made in partnership with Italy, will be launched thanks to work done with foreign partners.
China's goals in space are still centered on innovation. The Long March 6C and Long March 12 are two new Long March rocket types that will be launched for the first time by CASC.
In the meantime, plans are being made to open a new launch center on Hainan Island. This shows that China wants to strengthen its private space business.
