China’s primary space contractor, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), recorded an impressive 73 space launches for 2021, exceeding its previous year’s performance of 39 launches. The leap in numbers can be attributed to the increasing demand for satellite internet and the development of China’s space station.
In 2021, China launched the core module of its space station, Tianhe, and two other modules, Wentian and Mengtian. Additionally, the Chinese National Space Administration (CNSA) sent four manned missions to the space station, marking a significant milestone in the country’s space exploration endeavors. The Tianzhou-2 and Tianzhou-3 cargo spacecraft were also launched to supply the space station with necessary resources.
CASC’s subsidiary, the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), was responsible for the majority of the launches. The Long March rockets, particularly the Long March 2F, Long March 7, and Long March 5B, were central to China’s space station missions.
Apart from the space station development, China also focused on the deployment of its satellite internet system, Tianlink. The project, which is seen as a competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink, saw the launch of 61 satellites in 2021. CASC aims to have 13,000 satellites in orbit when the Tianlink project reaches completion.
China also launched lunar and Mars missions in 2021. The Tianwen-1 Mars mission, which was launched in 2020, successfully landed the Zhurong rover in May 2021. Meanwhile, the Chang’e-5 lunar mission returned lunar samples to Earth in late 2020, marking China’s first successful sample-return mission from the moon.
Looking ahead to 2022, CASC plans to conduct around 50 launches, including the final module for the Chinese space station, the Tianzhou-4 and Tianzhou-5 cargo spacecraft, and the Shenzhou-13 and Shenzhou-14 manned missions. The CNSA also plans to launch the Chang’e-7 lunar mission and the first Mars sample return mission.
The increase in China’s space activities reflects the country’s ambitions to become a major player in space exploration and technology. However, it also raises concerns over space debris, as more launches increase the risk of collisions and space pollution. As China continues to expand its space program, it will need to address these challenges to ensure the sustainability of its operations and the safety of its astronauts and satellites.
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