China to display its Mars probe in air show

BEIJING: China would put its Mars probe on display at a major air show next week as it hopes to catch up with India's successful space mission to the Red Planet.

China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp has announced that it would put a selection of the latest space achievements, including the Mars probe, on display at an upcoming air show, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.

No details have been provided about the Mars probe. China has successfully sent space missions to moon. China, however, made an unsuccessful attempt to send its Mars probe in 2011.

The satellite called Yinghuo-1 was launched by a Russian rocket but it failed to reach the required orbit and was declared lost.

India's Mangalyaan's mission to Mars evoked great deal of interest in China which plans to make one more attempt in the near future.

The biennial air show is to be held in the southern port city of Zhuhai, Guangdong province from November 11 to 16.

Exhibits will include a cargo spacecraft, the "Long March 7" carrier rocket and a high-definition Earth observation satellite.

The air show will also feature new aircraft, trade talks and technological exchanges. It is the only international aerospace trade show endorsed by the central government.