"Since the 13th Five-Year Plan includes basic research, we expect more science facilities will be built. More investment will bring more opportunities," Liu said.
On Dec. 17, 2015, the dark matter particle explorer (DAMPE), the country's first astronomical satellite, was sent to explore the secrets of the universe.
"Although China still lags behind scientifically-advanced countries in some areas, we should not belittle ourselves. We have made great strides in basic science and space science. As long as we are diligent, in the near future we will achieve great success," said Chang Jin, chief scientist with DAMPE and vice director of the CAS Purple Mountain Observatory.
Another three scientific satellites -- one for quantum science experiments, another for microgravity research and space life science, and a hard X-ray telescope that will observe black holes, neutron stars and other phenomena -- will be launched this year.
Wu Ji, director of CAS National Space Science Center, said that since China's first satellite was launched into space 45 years ago, a number of communication, remote sensing and navigation satellites have followed.
"If China wants to be a strong global nation, it should not only care about the immediate interests, but also contribute to humankind. Only that can win China the real respect of the world," Wu said.
According to Wu, the space center has mapped out the space science strategy for the coming 15 years, featuring areas such as the formation and evolution of the universe; extra terrestrial intelligence and extra-solar planets; the formation and evolution of the solar system; solar activity and its impact on the geo-space environment; evolution of the Earth system; physical laws beyond the existing basic physical theory; material movement; and life activity in space.
China will produce another five or six scientific satellites by 2020, which will aid research into black hole, dark matter, quantum physics and space environment, Wu said.
"If you want to innovate, you must have knowledge of the sciences. Space science is inseparable from China's innovation-driven development," said Wu.
Ye Peijian, a CAS academic and a member of the CPPCC National Committee, said China's probe is expected to land on Mars in 2021.
"Exploring the red planet and deep space will mean that China can establish itself as a scientific and technological expert. The knock on effect is that inventions and independent intellectual property rights will surge, and, as a result, China's core competence will increase, pushing development in other industries," said Jia Yang, deputy chief designer of Yutu, China's first moon rover.
"As China continues with its lunar mission, glimpsing farther and farther into deep space, it will play a bigger role in solving key frontier scientific questions," Jia added.
