China's Expanding Commercial Space Sector: Development of Launch Sites, Rockets, and Satellite Constellations
Explore the rapid growth of China's commercial space sector, highlighting its various launch sites, innovative rockets, and ambitious satellite constellations. This article delves into the key players and technological advancements driving China's ascent in the global space race.
TroibNews 
On November 30, China marked a pivotal moment in its commercial space industry with the inaugural flight of the Long March-12 from the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site, the country's first dedicated commercial launch facility. This milestone is regarded as a major advancement for China's commercial space sector.
Just three days prior, a modified version of China's methane-powered Zhuque-2 carrier rocket successfully lifted off from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone located in the Gobi Desert in northwest China.
These two prominent launches addressed a significant gap in the commercial space ecosystem—dedicated commercial launch sites. Prior to this development, many commercial rockets and satellites found themselves unable to launch due to the lack of suitable launch infrastructure.
### Overview of China's Commercial Space Sector
The commercial space industry is best understood in terms of its midstream, which encompasses launch sites, services, and ground equipment manufacturing. In contrast, the upstream sector focuses on the manufacturing of rockets and satellites, along with supporting technologies, while the downstream segment is dedicated to terminal applications and service markets. Traditional applications include communications, navigation, and remote sensing, while emerging domains such as satellite internet, space tourism, space mining, and deep space exploration are gaining momentum.
China's journey towards the commercialization of space activities began in 2014 when the State Council issued the "Guiding Opinions on Innovating Investment and Financing Mechanisms in Key Areas and Encouraging Social Investment." This initiative stimulated private investment towards the construction of civil space infrastructure.
The subsequent year saw the release of a mid- to long-term development plan for civil space infrastructure, which catalyzed the creation of commercial rocket companies, including Landspace, known for the Zhuque rocket series.
A significant milestone was achieved in 2019 with the successful launch of Hyperbola-1, developed by Interstellar Glory, which showcased the capabilities of China's commercial space enterprises. Following this, an increasing number of companies began to develop various rocket types, providing a diverse array of launch services, including small satellite launches, rideshare missions, and tailored launches. By 2023, China's private rocket sector had achieved 13 launches, marking a remarkable 160 percent increase from the previous year.
As satellites, rockets, and launch sites progress towards commercialization, China's commercial space sector is becoming more defined. The demand for satellite services across multiple industries is on the rise, while new application scenarios are quickly emerging.
A primary focus for the sector is the construction of low Earth orbit satellite constellations, driven significantly by the push for satellite internet. Reports indicate that China plans for satellite constellations encompassing at least 40,000 satellites, with major projects like GW and G60 each featuring over 10,000 satellites.
This year witnessed the successful launch of 36 satellites into orbit as part of the initial two batches of the mega satellite internet initiative called "Thousand Sails Constellation," or G60. However, these efforts fell short of the target to have 108 satellites in orbit by year-end.
### Commercial Space as a Growth Engine
The existing gap in satellite launches presents numerous opportunities for various companies. "To form these constellations, a heavy-lift reusable rocket is a prerequisite," noted Huang He, vice president of marketing and delivery at LandSpace, during a recent interview with CN at Airshow China 2024.
At the airshow, multiple notable commercial space firms displayed models of their reusable rockets and set timelines for their first flights next year. DeepBlue Aerospace aims for a March launch, Galactic Energy is targeting the first half of the year, and LandSpace expects to launch by June.
"China's commercial space industry started later compared to other countries," commented Liu Baiqi, founder and CEO of Galactic Energy. "However, its development has been remarkably rapid."
These recent launches and the overall progression in the sector have generated excitement across the industry. "Our market share has grown significantly because we supply to multiple commercial space companies," said Wang Zhengyi, marketing director of Light Year Explorer, highlighting the success of a materials supplier for structural parts and fairings.
### Expanding the Landscape of Commercial Space
Also pivotal to the upstream segment are satellite manufacturers. Geespace, a subsidiary of China's Geely Auto, has established a massive factory capable of producing 500 satellites annually, making it the most adept facility in China. The company has already launched 30 satellites and plans a total constellation of nearly 6,000 satellites aimed at providing global satellite communication, mobile phone connectivity, and low-orbit broadband services in three phases.
China is actively broadening the applications of its commercial space sector. For instance, the nation revealed designs for commercial cargo spacecraft intended for resupply missions to its space station in preparation for the Shenzhou-19 mission.
In the realm of suborbital tourism, DeepBlue Aerospace generated buzz in October by announcing the sale of two tickets for suborbital spaceflights aboard their own rocket and capsule, with launches scheduled for 2027.
"At this point, I can confidently say that most of the key technologies have been overcome," Liu added. "The next step is to implement the engineering process, continuously iterate and validate in practical applications, and optimize our rockets for commercial deployment."
As a manifestation of new productive forces, disruptive technologies and innovations within the commercial space sector are continuously emerging. Combined with advancements in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and other areas, China's commercial space sector is poised for further expansion in its applications.
Navid Kalantari contributed to this report for TROIB News
Just three days prior, a modified version of China's methane-powered Zhuque-2 carrier rocket successfully lifted off from the Dongfeng Commercial Space Innovation Pilot Zone located in the Gobi Desert in northwest China.
These two prominent launches addressed a significant gap in the commercial space ecosystem—dedicated commercial launch sites. Prior to this development, many commercial rockets and satellites found themselves unable to launch due to the lack of suitable launch infrastructure.
### Overview of China's Commercial Space Sector
The commercial space industry is best understood in terms of its midstream, which encompasses launch sites, services, and ground equipment manufacturing. In contrast, the upstream sector focuses on the manufacturing of rockets and satellites, along with supporting technologies, while the downstream segment is dedicated to terminal applications and service markets. Traditional applications include communications, navigation, and remote sensing, while emerging domains such as satellite internet, space tourism, space mining, and deep space exploration are gaining momentum.
China's journey towards the commercialization of space activities began in 2014 when the State Council issued the "Guiding Opinions on Innovating Investment and Financing Mechanisms in Key Areas and Encouraging Social Investment." This initiative stimulated private investment towards the construction of civil space infrastructure.
The subsequent year saw the release of a mid- to long-term development plan for civil space infrastructure, which catalyzed the creation of commercial rocket companies, including Landspace, known for the Zhuque rocket series.
A significant milestone was achieved in 2019 with the successful launch of Hyperbola-1, developed by Interstellar Glory, which showcased the capabilities of China's commercial space enterprises. Following this, an increasing number of companies began to develop various rocket types, providing a diverse array of launch services, including small satellite launches, rideshare missions, and tailored launches. By 2023, China's private rocket sector had achieved 13 launches, marking a remarkable 160 percent increase from the previous year.
As satellites, rockets, and launch sites progress towards commercialization, China's commercial space sector is becoming more defined. The demand for satellite services across multiple industries is on the rise, while new application scenarios are quickly emerging.
A primary focus for the sector is the construction of low Earth orbit satellite constellations, driven significantly by the push for satellite internet. Reports indicate that China plans for satellite constellations encompassing at least 40,000 satellites, with major projects like GW and G60 each featuring over 10,000 satellites.
This year witnessed the successful launch of 36 satellites into orbit as part of the initial two batches of the mega satellite internet initiative called "Thousand Sails Constellation," or G60. However, these efforts fell short of the target to have 108 satellites in orbit by year-end.
### Commercial Space as a Growth Engine
The existing gap in satellite launches presents numerous opportunities for various companies. "To form these constellations, a heavy-lift reusable rocket is a prerequisite," noted Huang He, vice president of marketing and delivery at LandSpace, during a recent interview with CN at Airshow China 2024.
At the airshow, multiple notable commercial space firms displayed models of their reusable rockets and set timelines for their first flights next year. DeepBlue Aerospace aims for a March launch, Galactic Energy is targeting the first half of the year, and LandSpace expects to launch by June.
"China's commercial space industry started later compared to other countries," commented Liu Baiqi, founder and CEO of Galactic Energy. "However, its development has been remarkably rapid."
These recent launches and the overall progression in the sector have generated excitement across the industry. "Our market share has grown significantly because we supply to multiple commercial space companies," said Wang Zhengyi, marketing director of Light Year Explorer, highlighting the success of a materials supplier for structural parts and fairings.
### Expanding the Landscape of Commercial Space
Also pivotal to the upstream segment are satellite manufacturers. Geespace, a subsidiary of China's Geely Auto, has established a massive factory capable of producing 500 satellites annually, making it the most adept facility in China. The company has already launched 30 satellites and plans a total constellation of nearly 6,000 satellites aimed at providing global satellite communication, mobile phone connectivity, and low-orbit broadband services in three phases.
China is actively broadening the applications of its commercial space sector. For instance, the nation revealed designs for commercial cargo spacecraft intended for resupply missions to its space station in preparation for the Shenzhou-19 mission.
In the realm of suborbital tourism, DeepBlue Aerospace generated buzz in October by announcing the sale of two tickets for suborbital spaceflights aboard their own rocket and capsule, with launches scheduled for 2027.
"At this point, I can confidently say that most of the key technologies have been overcome," Liu added. "The next step is to implement the engineering process, continuously iterate and validate in practical applications, and optimize our rockets for commercial deployment."
As a manifestation of new productive forces, disruptive technologies and innovations within the commercial space sector are continuously emerging. Combined with advancements in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and other areas, China's commercial space sector is poised for further expansion in its applications.
Navid Kalantari contributed to this report for TROIB News
