China is ranked fourth in the world in terms of space capabilities, following closely with leading space powers, based on a report issued by a Chinese research organization, the Xinhua News Agency reported.
An evaluation conducted by the Beijing Institute of Space Science and Technology Information, affiliated with the China Academy of Space Technology, said that the country's space program is at the crucial stage of development, from a major power to a great power.
The report said that China has made 92 launches around the world and sent into orbit a total of 262 spacecraft last year.
The evaluation, conducted for the first time by the institute, assessed the space capabilities of 20 countries and regions in terms of the following aspects: infrastructure, industrial scale, innovation strategy, product systems and international influence.
Among the countries rated include the United States, Russia, China, India, Japan and Europe, as the leading powers in space.
The United States remain as the only super power, but others in the list are following closely behind, the report said.
Europe and Russia ranked next as two great powers. Europe's great advance in space capability was made possible through technological advantages and alliance with the U.S., while Russia has recovered from its decline due to its medium and long-term plans and reforms implemented in its space industry.
China, Japan and India are recognized as major powers in space. China developed its space capability independently and made remarkable achievements in space technology, with great potential and momentum for further development.
Japan has developed rapidly due to active international cooperation, alliance with the U.S. and technological innovation, while India made a breakthrough after becoming the first Asian country to send a probe to Mars in 2014.
The report mentioned Canada and Korea as emerging countries in space capability, closely following China, Japan and India.