China plans to develop nontoxic, pollution-free, high-performance, low-cost and powerful thrust carrier rockets of the new generation in the coming five years, according to a white paper released on Thursday (Oct 12th).

The white paper, titled "China's Space Activities in 2006", says China aims to increase the carrying capacity of near-Earth orbiters to 25 tons, and that of geostationary orbiters to 14 tons.

Introducing the major tasks of China's space industry in the coming five years, the white paper says China will develop in an overall way the 120-ton thrust liquid-oxygen/kerosene engine and the 50-ton thrust hydrogen-oxygen engine, and increase the reliability and adaptability of the present "Long March" carrier rockets.

The 8,500-character white paper, the second of its kind since 2000, is released by the Information Office of the State Council, illustrating the development of China's space industry over the past five years and its plans for the near future.

Over the past five years, "Long March" rockets independently developed by China have made 24 consecutive successful flights, and their major technological functions and reliability have been notably upgraded, says the white paper.

From October 1996 to the end of 2005, "Long March" rockets made46 consecutive successful flights. Important breakthroughs have been made in key technologies of the new-generation launching vehicles.

Research and development of the 120-ton thrust liquid-oxygen/kerosene engine and the 50-ton thrust hydrogen-oxygen engine are proceeding smoothly, the white paper says.

In the coming five years, China will also increase the comprehensive experimental ability and returns of spacecraft launching sites, optimize the layout, and enhance the reliability and automation level of the facilities and equipment of the sites, according to the white paper.

It says the construction of three launching sites at Jiuquan, Xichang and Taiyuan, has made new progress, and their comprehensive test and launch capabilities have been enhanced.

Various launching vehicles, man-made satellites, unmanned experimental spacecraft and manned spacecraft have been successfully launched from the three launching sites many times.

Editor: Donald