On November 3, 2016, SJ-17 satellite was launched by CZ-5 launch vehicle. The satellite carried a magnetic-focusing Hall electric propulsion system that is developed by China independently. The on-orbit demonstration of the propulsion system was done.

On June 25, the scaled-down re-entry module of multi-purpose spaceship was sent into space by CZ-7 launch vehicle together with a number of advanced experiment payloads in order to do on-orbit test. The re-entry module therein verified new technologies and products on orbit for the first time, such as the new aerodynamic shape design, reuse design and new materials of the module, which laid the important foundation for design and key technology research of subsequent new human spaceship.