[Satellite TODAY 03-04-13] China has announced its plan to take over a more prominent role in the global commercial satellite launching business. The country, which currently has 3 percent of the market, is targeting a 15 percent share by 2020.

   China expects to establish strategic alliances with major launch services providers and satellite manufacturers, as well as developing its own technology. The deputy head of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, Liang Xiaohong, told the official Xinhua News Agency that the country’s first solid-fuel rocket, which could be launched on short notice, would make its first flight by 2016.