Space exploration group in the works

China will set up the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization at the end of the year as part of a major effort to promote joint space exploration, a top space administrator has said.

Sun Laiyan, chief of the China National Space Administration, said the organization will focus on satellite applications and training.

Sun, flush from the success of the country's first space walk on Sept 27, made the remarks at the ongoing 59th International Astronautical Congress in Glasgow, Scotland, on Tuesday.