China continued to make significant progress in aerospace applications in 2020, with over 300 satellites operating in orbit, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

GF-2 (Gaofen-2), a high-resolution optical Earth observation satellite of the CNSA (China National Space Administration). (Photo: CNR)

The Blue Book of China's Aerospace Science and Technology Activities (2020) issued by CASC said the orbiting satellites form a comprehensive system that supports various industries.

China has launched several world-famous satellites with different functions: communication satellites represented by Zhongxing, Yatai, and Tiantong, remote sensing satellites that are used for earth observation, such as Fengyun (Wind and Cloud), Haiyang (Ocean), Ziyuan (Resources), and the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS).

(Compiled by Yang Jiaqi)