China successfully sent a new experimental communication technology satellite into space, a good start to the New Year.
The year 2019 witnessed 34 space launches by China.
And the nation's aerospace industry will see a busy year in 2020, with the number of space launches expected to exceed 40.
Then what to expect in 2020?
China will begin developing a near-Earth manned space station.
China will continue its lunar exploration program with the Chang'e-5 lunar probe,
expected to be launched in 2020 to bring lunar samples back to Earth.
One of the highlights of 2020 will be the launch of China's first Mars probe by using the Long March-5 rocket.
China will finish construction of the BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System,
with another two geostationary orbit satellites to be launched.
An advanced land, atmosphere and ocean observation system is expected to be completed in 2020.
Three new types of carrier rockets, including the Long March-5B, Long March-7A and Long March-8, will make their maiden flights in 2020.
