Nation embraces greater appliance of science

Editor's note: China has witnessed many changes and improvements in a range of fields, including science and technology, the law, and environmental protection, during the period of the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20). This is the first in a series of graphics outlining the developments seen in specific sectors during the past five years.

Major scientific instruments

SPACE

Micius quantum communication satellite

Launch: 2016

Status: Operational

Mission: To test the feasibility of space-based ultrasecure quantum communication

Dark Matter Particle Explorer (aka Wukong)

Launch: 2015

Status: Operational

Mission: To detect high-energy gamma rays, electron and cosmic rays to unlock the secrets of dark matter