A rocket lifts off from Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the hills of China's Sichuan province.
A Long March 3B lifts off from Xichang carrying the 35th and 36th Beidou satellites ( Credit: CALT)

HELSINKI — China’s launch of a pair of Beidou navigation satellites late Friday saw the country set a new annual launch record as its space activities ramp up.

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Andrew Jones writes about China's space industry, including civilian programs, space science and exploration, policy, and commercial developments for SpaceNews, and writes the China Report newsletter. He has additional bylines in Scientific American,...