4 Jul 2012 11:04

China performs more space launches in H1 than any other country, company - statement

MOSCOW. July 4 (Interfax-AVN) - Seven countries and two international companies sent 35 launch vehicles into space in the first half of 2012, with China having performed more launches than anyone else for the first time in its history, Energomash, a leading producer of liquid rocket engines, said in a statement published on its website on Wednesday.

"China for the first time became the leader by performing 10 launches. Russia with nine launches was the second and the U.S. with eight launches the third in this respect," it said.

Arianespace performed three space launches, and Japan, India, Iran, North Korea, and the Sea Launch consortium one each.