Space
17:33, 04-Jan-2018
Key company in China space program planning 35 launches in 2018
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According to reports from an internal meeting held by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), there will be at least 35 rocket launches in China this year.
Among the launches are China's first heavy rocket model, the Long March-5; the Chang'e-4 moon lander and several satellites for the Beidou satellite navigation system.
Future CASC missions include China's first heavy rocket, the Long March-5; the Chang'e-4 moon lander and satellites for the Beidou sat-nav system. /Photo via VCG
Future CASC missions include China's first heavy rocket, the Long March-5; the Chang'e-4 moon lander and satellites for the Beidou sat-nav system. /Photo via VCG
The company said on its official WeChat that the number is a historic high for the company.
“"We need to focus on ensuring key links, fixing flaws, and solving short-term bottlenecks,” Lei Fanpei, chairman of the CASC, said during the meeting.
With several major projects entering key development stages and record-high numbers of experimental launches taking place, the company will be facing a very difficult 2018.
“In order to complete these missions, we must remember that we cannot afford to fail. There is no way back,” Lei added.
The company recently released the “Implementation of 2025 Aerospace Manufacturing” manifesto, in which it states it will adopt more intelligent approaches in order to ensure the success of further launches.