The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) plans to launch more than 200 spacecraft with over 60 space missions in 2023, according to a CASC blue paper released Wednesday.

The blue paper unveiled plans for the country's space science and technology activities in 2023. It said that the Tianzhou-6 cargo craft, the Shenzhou-16 and the Shenzhou-17 flight missions would take place within the year to improve China's capability of entering, using and exploring space.

The BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System will witness the launches of three backup satellites, according to the CASC. It added that the construction of a new-generation commercial remote-sensing satellite system will be accelerated this year.

The corporation also pledged to release information on surplus rocket-carrying capacities and provide launch opportunities to commercial users.

In 2023, the CASC will comprehensively push forward the fourth phase of lunar exploration and planetary exploration, and develop the lunar probe Chang'e-7, Mars probe Tianwen-2, as well as stationary orbit-microwave detection satellite.

The carrier rocket Long March-6C will make its maiden flight in 2023, while the Long March carrier rocket series are expected to exceed 500 launches in aggregate, said the blue paper.

Reusable heavy rocket to propel 6000 tonnes

Gu Mingkun, deputy chief of the Overall Design Department with China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, told CGTN that the heavy rocket project could be approved this year, as key technology research has been completed.

"Now, the overall plan for the heavy rocket construction has been set, it will be reusable, smart and efficient," Gu said.

"When the heavy rocket is put to use in high-orbit missions, its takeoff weight will reach 4000 tonnes, and its takeoff thrust will reach 6,000 tonnes, with reuse capability," Gu said, adding that "in the future, heavy launch vehicles that are fully reusable will be developed."

Gu also mentioned that such rockets, when in high orbit missions, would be responsible for the construction of the lunar research station, lunar resource development, the construction of the Mars Research Station and manned Mars exploration.

CSS in operation with multiple spacewalks

In low-earth orbit, the China Space Station (CSS) is now complete and will have more first-attempts.

Jing Zheng, deputy chief Commander of CSS General System with China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) said the CSS has now entered "the development and operation stage."

"This year, the space station system will not only work and support the assembly, but will also work on the ground support system that includes the digital CSS, as well as new development plans for CSS's expansion," Jing told CGTN.

"The Shenzhou-15 and 16 crews will have multiple spacewalks in 2023. And this is the year when we, for the first time, will see the space station's two robotic arms link and work to support payload installation. This is the year, for the first time, we will see man and cargo go extravehicular together at the same time," Jing added.

The year could also see a record number of satellites go up. 

Chen Jianjun, with China Great Wall Industry Corporation (under China Aerospace and Technology Corporation), told CGTN that his company would see over 90 satellites launched to space. 

"In 2023, we will still frequently see missions where one rocket carries multitiple satellites. Such arrangements not only show the range and capabilities of our rockets, but also how fast the commercial space sector is developing. Right now it's at peak."

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China plans over 60 space launch missions in 2023

(CGTN's Sun Ye contributed to the story, with input from Xinhua)