China is pushing forward the research of large-thrust carrier rocket Long March 5, in its northern municipality of Tianjin.

Experts say the rocket will not only be used for launching national satellites and deep space exploration, but will compete for launching commercial satellites on the international market.

President of China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, or CALT, Li Hong, elaborates the significance of the project.

"We have entered into the sensitive launching period. The completion of the base in Tianjin will meet the demand for launching pads in China, which is undoubtedly in line with the country's spaceflight development programme over the next 30 years."

Meanwhile, the carrying capacity of the rocket can reach 14 tons while sending satellites into geosynchronous orbit.
Li Dong is the chief designer of Long March 5 launching base.

"The payload capacity of 14 tons indicates that we can launch much heavier satellites with more sophisticated functions. It can also blast off several satellites simultaneously, which will increase efficiency."

The new generation rocket, designed to be non-toxic and pollution-free, is expected to take its first spaceflight in 2014.