The Long March, series of rockets, will make its 100th voyage into space at the end of the year. Its creator, the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, is displaying Long March models, and its new technology at an Air Show in Zhuhai.

The launch of Chang-E 2 this October represented a new phase of Chinese space exploration. It was carried aloft by the launch vehicle Long March 3C. In December 2010, its brother, Long March 3A will blast off on the 100th mission of the Long March family of rockets.

Hao Zhaoping, Vice-Director of China Aerospace Science & Technology Corp. said, "There are no more than 20 countries in the world who can develop their own launch vehicles. And even fewer nations have successfully launched a rocket 100 times. This 100th voyage means China has reached a high point in industrialization."

According to the CASC, a base for the industrialization of launch vehicles has already been established in Tianjin. It has a manufacturing department and also research departments, to satisfy growing production demands. During Airshow China, two important accords will be signed between CASC and international communication companies.

Li Tong, Head of Space Dept. of China Aerospace Science & Technology Corp. said, "With industrialization, the average preparation time of a vehicle before its launch has been reduced from 5 years to 1 year. This facilitates our service to other companies."

The Long March rockets are ready to provide improved launch service.

Reporter Zhang Ni said, This giant rocket is the latest generation of Long March launch vehicles. It is already under development in Tianjin and is expected to be launched in 2014. With a payload capacity of 14 tons, it represents the new hope of future deep space exploration.

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