Following its recent milestones in lunar exploration and ahead of the imminent landing of its first Mars probe, China is set to celebrate its sixth national Space Day in Nanjing, the capital city of Jiangsu province.

"Some 300 activities will be held, including lectures and exhibitions. Many space labs and workshops will open to the public and school students," said Lyu Bo, a senior official from China National Space Administration.

Earth's first-ever lunar soil sample in over four decades from the historic Chang'e-5 mission will be on display, and the name of China's Mars rover will be announced before its scheduled landing on the red planet in May.

Leading scientists and scholars of China's space industry will also gather for a national conference.

"We will participate and deliver keynote speeches and hold seminars for principals of schools to promote space science for students," said Tao Yong, vice president of Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

"We will show more than 30 important major science results from basic studies to key applications," said Liao Wenhe, vice-president of Nanjing University of Science and Technology.

The China National Space Administration will also hold a session on how the international community can cooperate on lunar scientific research and announce some new measures.

The organizers say they hope the annual event will be another chance to promote space science and encourage communication and cooperation in the industry, not only in China but also across the globe.