BEIJING, Jan. 3 (China Space News) --  China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) will see a busy year in 2020, with the number of space launches expected to exceed 40.

The highlights of the space activities include the launch of China's first Mars probe, the Chang'e-5 lunar probe, which is expected to bring moon samples back to Earth, the final step of China's current lunar exploration program, as well as the completion of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System constellation.

Three new types of carrier rockets including the Long March-5B, Long March-7A and Long March-8 will make their maiden flights in 2020.

In addition, some commercial satellites such as the APSTAR-6D satellite and the experiment satellite for the construction of satellite Internet will also be launched.