China is gearing up for a monumental year in space exploration, with a staggering 100 launch missions planned for 2024. This ambitious schedule, unveiled by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), marks a significant milestone for the nation’s space industry and positions it as a global leader in space exploration endeavors.
CASC, the nation’s leading space contractor, will spearhead nearly 70 of the planned missions, sending over 290 spacecraft into orbit. This includes several high-profile missions like two crewed journeys and two cargo missions to the Tiangong space station, the Chang’e 6 robotic expedition to the far side of the moon, and the maiden flights of the Long March 6C and Long March 12 carrier rockets.
The Chang’e 6 mission, particularly, is expected to be a landmark achievement. This robotic expedition aims to collect the first-ever samples from the lunar far side, a region largely unexplored due to its constant orientation away from Earth. “If everything goes according to plan, the spacecraft will touch down in the South Pole-Aitken Basin and collect dust and rock samples from there,” explained Ma Tao, deputy head of CASC’s space program planning department.
Beyond the Chang’e 6 mission, CASC plans to launch a diverse array of other innovative spacecraft throughout the year. This includes a satellite dedicated to monitoring ocean salinity, an astronomical satellite developed jointly by Chinese and French scientists, and several state-of-the-art satellites serving various scientific and commercial purposes.
The vast majority of these missions will be carried out using the Long March rocket family, CASC’s workhorse for space launches. However, additional launches will be conducted by other launchers, including the Smart Dragon series, the Kuaizhou fleet, and models developed by private companies. This highlights the growing involvement of private players in China’s rapidly evolving space industry.
Looking beyond 2024, CASC is actively engaged in the research and development of over 200 spacecraft for future launches. This impressive portfolio includes a new-generation crewed spaceship, the Chang’e 7 lunar probe, the Tianwen 2 asteroid explorer, and several advanced satellites. Additionally, the company plans to build over 230 rockets in 2024, further bolstering its capabilities for future space missions.
China’s ambitious plans for 2024 solidify its position as a major space power, showcasing its commitment to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and scientific discovery. With numerous groundbreaking missions on the horizon, this year promises to be a period of significant advancement for China’s space program, captivating the global space exploration community.
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