China, the world's number 2 economy, plans to launch 100 rockets and 100 satellites by 2015, including sending out its first manned spacecraft, the Shenzhou-9, sometime middle this year, in a bid to surpass the U.S. and Russia in the space exploration game.

Zhang Jianheng, deputy general manager of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, said the country has an ambitious plan to send 20 launch missions every year through 2015. The U.S. on the average launches 20 satellites a year, but was only able to send out 18 in 2011. Russia, meanwhile, sent out 36 satellites to space in 2011.

In 2011, China launched a total of 19 satellites, including a target orbiter Tiangong-1 and Shenzhou-8 spacecraft with 19 Long March rockets, Jianheng said. China also conducted last year its first space docking experiment to build a space station of its own by 2020.

"The densely arranged launch missions and flight tests have posed an unprecedented challenge to the country's space programme," the CASC deputy general manager said.

For 2012, China plans to blast off 30 satellites with 21 rockets, including the Shenzhou-9 spacecraft, which is to rendezvous and docking with Tiangong-1 between June and August.

For 2013, China aims to launch its third lunar probe, Chang'e-3, as well as achieve a moon landing and lunar explorations. It will carry a lunar rover and other instruments for territory surveys, living conditions assessment, and space observations, Ye Peijian, chief commander of Chang'e-3 at China Academy of Space Technology, said. The 100-kg lunar rover will operate on the moon for more than three months, Ye added.

Zhang announced the CASC earned 100 billion yuan or $15.87 billion in operating income last year, which brought to more than 200 billion yuan the company's total assets. The company targets to maintain a growth rate of 20 per cent annually, Zhang noted, with operating income forecast to reach 250 billion yuan by year 2015.

China launched the Chang'e-1 in 2007 and the Chang'e-2 2010.