China's space capabilities1 are ranked the fourth in the world, and the gap between the leading powers is narrowing, according to a report issued recently by a Chinese research organization.
一家中国的研究机构发布的报告称，中国的太空力量位居世界第四，与领先大国的差距正在缩小。
China is at a crucial period developing from a major power to a great power in space, says an
evaluation2 by the Beijing Institute of Space Science and Technology Information,
affiliated3 to the China Academy of Space Technology.
Last year saw a record 92 launches around the world, with 262 spacecraft put into orbit. The institute for the first time evaluated the space capabilities of 20 countries and regions across six aspects: strategy, product systems,
infrastructure4, industrial scale, innovation and international influence.
It rated the United States, Europe, Russia, China, Japan and India as the leading powers in space.
The United States' status as the only super power in space is unshakable, but the gap between the United States and its
followers5 is narrowing, says the report.
Europe and Russia are ranked as the next two great powers. With its
technological6 advantages and alliances with the United States, Europe has made a giant leap in its space
capability7. Russia has
curbed8 its decline, showing signs of recovery thanks to its medium and long-term plans and reform of its space industry, the report says.
China, Japan and India are major powers in space. Pursuing an independent development path, China has made
remarkable9 accomplishments10 in space technology, showing strong
momentum11 and potential. Driven by technological innovation, active international cooperation and an alliance with the United States, Japan has made rapid developments.
India became the first Asian country to successfully send a probe to Mars in 2014, marking a breakthrough in its space capability, says the report.
收听单词发音 
