By 2020, China's satellite industry intends to supply at least 10 percent of the world's demand for space probes.

This, according to Yuan Minhui, director of the Beijing Institute of Space Science and Technology Information.

"A forecast by a foreign consultancy said that around 1,000 satellites will be launched by 2020 to meet the demands of the market..." Yuan revealed at the sidelines of the Third China International Satellite Service Business Matching Conference.

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"...we believe Chinese-developed satellites will account for more than 10 percent of that market," he said, adding that China's role in the global satellite industry will continue to grow during the high-tech which aimed to promote Chinese satellites in the international market.

He continued: "Remote sensing, communications, and positioning and navigation satellites are our major offers in the global market and they will continue to expand their shares."

In order to strengthen collaboration between China and the United States in space-related matters, Yuan suggested that the two nations should seriously look into the possibility joint manned space exploration programs.

Currently, the US government is implementing a ban wherein contact between Chinese and US space workers is strictly prohibited.

"This is because such programs cost a lot and carry high risks," he said. "Collaboration would help reduce the risks and improve engineering efficiency."

In the meantime, a local industry insider advised the Central government to establish clear-cut responsibilities that will guide space authorities in their international expansion efforts.

"Currently, we can't even find out who is in charge of some fields in the satellite sector," disclosed the researcher who refused to be identified citing his employer's media policy.

"The vague organizational structure and lack of definitions and responsibilities causes confusion for our potential foreign clients," he added, highlighting the challenges confronting China's satellite industry. 

Tagschina, China Satellite Industry, Beijing Institute of Space Science and Technology