This Day, That Year

Editor's Note: This year marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up policy.

China launched its first communications satellite into space in April 1984.

After decades of research and development, the country has become a leader in the communications satellite sector. The country's first high-throughput communication satellite Shijian 13 is now in service after conducting the world's first experiment on high-orbit laser communication last week.