China has made strides in exploring space in recent years, sending astronauts to its own space station and making history, bringing back rocks from the far side of the moon.

There are currently 77 space agencies around the world, 16 of which have launch capabilities. As 2024 comes to a close, space companies across the planet show no signs of slowing down.  

Joining the discussion: 

• John Zarrella served as the principal correspondent for CNN’s coverage of the U.S. space program. 
• Xu Yansong is the former Director for International Cooperation at the China National Space Administration.  
• Keith Cowing is the Editor of NASA Watch dot com. 
• Wu Lei is a Chief Editor, Producer and Reporter for CGTN.

China on Thursday sent a group of five experiment satellites into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China https://t.co/pkajGaWui4 pic.twitter.com/nLRphgaFre

— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) December 12, 2024

Higher Ground: After nearly four years of exploration, and grades as steep as 20%, our @NASAPersevere rover has reached the rim of Mars's Jezero Crater.

Learn more about how Perseverance made the climb—and where it's rolling next: https://t.co/uKlQvQHnmg #AGU2024 pic.twitter.com/7XNECofb9X

— NASA (@NASA) December 12, 2024