FILE: Wenchang Satellite Launch Center, Hainan Province, south China - Dec 27, 2019 (CCTV-No access Chinese mainland)
1. Various of China's Long March-5 carrier rocket blasting off from launch pad
2. Engineers clapping hands

Beijing, China - Jan 17, 2020 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
3. Various of press conference in progress
4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese, dubbed with English) Yu Miao, director, Beijing Institute of Space Science and Technology Information, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation:
"China launched 34 carrier rockets in 2019, leading the world for the second straight year. In 2020, over 40 launches are on our agenda, reaching a new height. The launch of Long March 5B will unveil a new chapter of China's manned space exploration."
5. Graphics showing Long March rocket's tasks in 2020

FILE: China - Date Unknown (CCTV-No access Chinese mainland)
6. Various of rocket in plant, engineers

Beijing, China - Jan 17, 2020 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
7. SOUNDBITE (Chinese, dubbed with English) Shang Zhi, director, Aerospace Department, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation:
"We will face a major test in 2020 with an unprecedented number and difficulty of launches. Our actions will be closely watched by the international community."

FILE: China - Date Unknown (CCTV-No access Chinese mainland)
8. Various fo rocket in plant

Beijing, China - Jan 17, 2020 (CGTN - No access Chinese mainland)
9. SOUNDBITE (Chinese, dubbed with English) Qu Yiguang, deputy Commander-in-Chief of Long March 5 Rocket
"The rocket is newly developed, we have only taken three trials, one of them failed. So the biggest challenge is that every launch is a new attempt, we will make our utmost endeavor to ensure its success. Though very challenging, I'm confident about it."

FILE: In Space – Date Unknown (China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation – No access Chinese mainland)
10. Various of animation showing simulation of China's Yutu-2 rover, Queqiao relay satellite

China is going to send more than 60 spacecraft into orbit via over 40 launches this year, according to a blue paper published Friday by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

2019 was a dynamic year for China's aerospace program.

At year's end, the successful launch of the Long March 5 Rocket marked a huge step forward.

Earlier that year, its Chang'e lunar probe made an unprecedented landing on the rarely seen far side of the moon and took its first ever image of the moon's surface.

However, China's ambitions to explore outer space don't stop there.

"China launched 34 carrier rockets in 2019, leading the world for the second straight year. In 2020, over 40 launches are on our agenda, reaching a new height. The launch of Long March 5B will unveil a new chapter of China's manned space exploration," said Yu Miao, head of the Beijing Institute of Space Science and Technology Information under China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

In 2020, the Long March Rocket is expected to see at least three major launches, including carrying a Chang'e lunar probe to bring moon samples back to Earth, transporting the first Chinese Mars probe and carrying a core module to a future space station. Experts say, if successful, China's space exploration will start a new chapter.

"We will face a major test in 2020 with an unprecedented number and difficulty of launches. Our actions will be closely watched by the international community," said Shang Zhi, director of the Aerospace Department under China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

2020 will be an intensive year for China's space mission after the failure of the Long March Five launch in 2017, while experts say they have confidence they can overcome the challenges on the way.

"The rocket is newly developed, we have only taken three trials, one of them failed. So the biggest challenge is that every launch is a new attempt, we will make our utmost endeavor to ensure its success. Though very challenging, I'm confident about it," said Qu Yiguang, deputy Commander-in-Chief of Long March 5 Rocket.