Nation to conduct 16 space launches in 2013

China will carry out 16 space launches and send 20 craft into space this year, according to China News Service.

The report quoted sources with China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation on Wednesday, saying that the missions include a manned space docking between orbiting target module Tiangong-1 and the Shenzhou X spacecraft, which is designed to further test the reliability of China's spacecraft rendezvous and docking technologies.

The Chang'e-3 lunar probe will also be launched this year, which is expected to land on the moon and roam on the lunar surface. Scientists said that, if successful, the mission will be another milestone in China's lunar exploration.