China has launched more ­satellites into orbit this year than the United States and Russia, ­according to a US report, as Beijing steadily makes advances in aerospace amid growing rivalry with Washington. In the first nine months, China sent 29 satellites into space – two more than the US, consulting firm Bryce Space and Technology said in a quarterly report. Russia was ranked third, launching eight satellites in the period, ahead of France, with six, it said. Dr Michael Raska, an Assistant Professor at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies said China’s space capabilities had advanced significantly in recent years. “China has invested in space launch vehicles, space tracking and control facilities, strategic missile forces, and next-generation precision navigation ­satellites,” Raska said.