BEIJING, Oct. 15(Xinhuanet)-- China has set up an effective, sophisticated space tracking and communications network, which can track and control 20 to 50 satellites at a time, a top engineer said.

China's space tracking and control network was initiated in 1960s and basically completed in 1980s, able to provide tracking services for satellite launchings, according to Yu Zhijian, chief designer for the tracking and communications system of China's manned space program.

Space tracking, control and communications are key components of space technologies, he said.

China has constantly improved its tracking network, particularly after the setting up of the Dongfeng Launch Center, the Beijing Space Command and Control Center, and renovating of the Xi'an Satellite Track and Control Center, he said.

We have built an up-to-international standards tracking and communication network which can provide services to satellite launchings for both China and other countries, Yu added.

The improved network can handle at the same time 20 to 50 satellites, Yu said, adding that an advanced network of its kind is illustrated in automation rate, network management and multi-task capability.

The manned space mission has given precious opportunities for the development of China's space tracking, control and communications technologies, which in turn provide basic technical support for a successful mission, Yu said. Enditem