Number of launches increases as space program intensifies

Planned 20 rockets, 25 satellites will make China '2nd to Russia'

JIUQUAN, Gansu - China's space projects have entered a stage of high-intensity development and launching, an aerospace expert said on Sunday.

"This year, we plan to launch 20 rockets and 25 satellites, a number that will put China in second place after Russia," said Yuan Jiajun, deputy general manager of China Aerospace and Technology Corp.