China's leading space contractor, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), plans more than 40 orbital launches in 2021. Key missions include the debut module of the nation's new space station and crewed flights.
In a detailed report on upcoming missions, CASC outlines its goal of exceeding 40 orbital launches this year, mirroring the high cadence achieved by SpaceX. Last year, China conducted 39 launches, with 34 led by CASC. Highlights from 2020 included the next-generation crew spacecraft prototype, the Tianwen-1 Mars mission—China's first independent interplanetary effort—and the Chang'e 5 lunar sample return.
The 2021 lineup will feature missions for the forthcoming Tiangong (Heavenly Palace) space station, set to succeed the International Space Station as the primary operational orbital outpost. Taikonauts aboard will conduct scientific experiments and train for extended missions.
The central module, measuring 17 meters long, is slated for launch soon via a Long March 5B rocket from Wenchang Satellite Launch Center. Once in orbit at an altitude of 340 to 450 km, it will host the Shenzhou 12 mission, carrying two to three taikonauts. This will mark China's seventh crewed spaceflight and Shenzhou program's seventh human-rated mission.
Additional launches include the Fengyun weather satellite, a next-generation recoverable satellite, and Gaofen Earth observation satellites. CASC will prioritize national science and technology projects, though details and schedules for most missions remain classified until launch, consistent with longstanding practice.
This target excludes emerging players like Expace (from CASIC) and LandSpace, developer of the Zhuque-2 microlauncher family.
