2012, an intensive year for Chinese aerospace industry

Beijing (CNS) -- The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation is planning to launch 30 satellites aboard 21 rockets in 2012, according to the company's annual working conference on Tuesday.

The backbone of China's aerospace industry will shoulder the rendezvous and docking mission for Shenzhou 9, the launches of six satellites to support the area navigation system, the first civil cartographic satellite, and the first exported remote sensing satellite to Venezuela.

Several missile flight-tests are also scheduled for the year.

In addition, the company will continue to promote China's cooperation with Nigeria, Bolivia and Belarus on communication satellite programs, as well as innovative research on the most advanced aerospace technology.