A commercial satellite has been launched in China, using the Chinese-built Long March 3-B rocket. It's the second commercial space launch China has provided to customers outside the mainland this year. With more launches expected, China is looking to become a leading force in the space industry.

China successfully sends a French-made communication satellite "APSTAR-VII" into orbit with its Long March-3B carrier rocket from southwest Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, March 31, 2012. [Xinhua]

The Chinese Long March 3B rocket has just launched another mission. Carrying the European-built Apstar 7 telecommunications satellite, the rocket was shot into the sky on Friday.

The new satellite will provide broadcasting and telecommunications services over the Asia Pacific Region, Africa, Middle East and a part of Europe.

Reporter: "China plans to provide five commercial launches for international customers in 2012, and it has a further ambition to take a 15 percent share of the commercial launch market, and a 10 percent share of the satellite export market by 2015."

It seems China is reaching the target with a steady pace, as clients say they're happy with the Chinese service.

Cheng Guangren, president of Hong Kong APT Satellite Holdings, said, "The Chinese launch contractor has already sent six satellites to space for us and our cooperation will continue. Compared with other major service providers in the US and Europe, Chinese rockets are just as reliable, and are more competitive in terms of price. It's likely that we'll also consider buying Chinese satellites in the future."

Meantime, China's space operations reached another milestone in 2011, launching a total of 19 rockets. It is the second most in the world, after Russia'34, and one rocket more before the United States. The high frequency and density have been noticed.

Hao Zhaoping, vice president of China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology said, "China's first 50 rocket launches took 28 years whereas the last 50 launches took us only 4 years. The growing frequency is a proof of our improved capacity, because only solid technology can allow launches at such high density. It will give China a competitive edge in the international market."

The global market sees about 20 to 30 commercial launches each year, mostly carried out by Russian and European countries. Since China entered the industry in the 1990s, it has conducted 34 commercial launches for international customers.

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