China needs more capable, non-toxic and safe carrier rockets if it is to establish a manned space station and run other space programs. The next-generation rockets include the large Long March-5 and the smaller Long March-7.

Lei Fanpei considers the Long March-5 a breakthrough for large-thrust rockets. Using non-polluting propellant, the Long March-5 should make its maiden flight within the next two years, probably at a new launch site in South China's Hainan province.

The Long March-5 will have a 25 ton payload capacity to low Earth orbits, or 14 tons to geostationary transfer orbit, about twice current capacity, and could be a serious competitor to the US Delta-4H.

It is designed with the space station in mind, Lei said.

The Long March-7 will carry up to 13.5 tons to low Earth orbit or 5.5 tons to sun-synchronous orbit at a height of 700 km. It will carry cargo craft for the planned space station. Its maiden flight should be next year.

Chinese scientists are also working hard on a powerful heavy carrier rocket for a manned moon landing.