China’s 2024 space plans include 100 launches and moon sample return mission

HELSINKI — China is planning a national record 100 orbital launches in 2024, according to the country's main space contractor. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) plans around 70 launches to send more than 290 spacecraft into orbit. The remaining launches will be performed by China's growing commercial launch sector. The plans are outlined in CASC's annual "blue book," released Feb. 26. The document does not provide a full launch manifest nor a detailed schedule, but offers an overview of planned activities. Major missions include two crewed and two cargo missions to the Tiangong space station. The first…