China is propelling its commercial space industry into the spotlight as a "new quality productive force," according to the latest government work report delivered by Premier Li Qiang during the opening of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress in Beijing.
Premier Li emphasized the nation's commitment to developing new quality productive forces tailored to local conditions, fostering emerging industries like commercial space and the low-altitude economy. These forces represent advanced productivity, moving beyond traditional economic growth models with a focus on high-tech, efficiency, and quality, encompassing sectors such as artificial intelligence, big data, and new materials.
Since 2014, China has been building a robust industrial chain within the commercial aerospace sector, with leading companies playing a pivotal role in driving cross-industry capabilities and broader industrial growth. A prime example is Galaxy Space, a Beijing-based satellite company founded in 2018. The company has experienced significant expansion, increasing its supplier network from 100 to over 1,300 partners, effectively opening up a new aerospace market for these supply chain collaborators.
"These enterprises used to exclusively serve ground-based industries like the automotive industry and machinery processing, but as we entered this sector and the industry continues to thrive, we've essentially opened up a new aerospace market for these supply chain partners," explained Liu Chang, co-founder of Galaxy Space.
Galaxy Space's advancement isn't limited to domestic growth. The company was the sole representative from the commercial space sector at a recent symposium discussing the role of private enterprises, highlighting its leadership in the industry.
Challenging Global Giants: Starlink and SpaceX
Since the onset of commercial space activities in China in 2014, numerous pioneers have aspired to rival global leaders like Elon Musk's SpaceX. While SpaceX has successfully deployed multiple satellites per launch with its Falcon 9 rocket and conducted several Starship test flights, China's journey towards reusable rockets completing orbital flights is still underway.
However, China's satellite industry is making significant strides. "Indeed, we consider Starlink to be an extremely competitive rival," stated Liu Chang. "Galaxy Space's satellite technology matches Starlink's capabilities within the same technical spectrum."
In 2024, LandSpace, another Chinese private company, successfully conducted two vertical takeoff and vertical landing (VTVL) tests with reusable rockets— a milestone for private Chinese aerospace firms. These tests are crucial for verifying the technologies needed for reliable rocket retrieval and landing, paving the way for more cost-effective satellite launches in the future.
Government Support Accelerates Space Innovation
At Airshow China last year in Zhuhai, numerous commercial space companies showcased their reusable rocket models and outlined plans for maiden flights in 2025. "I think the continued support from the Chinese government for space infrastructure is accelerating approval processes for LEO (low-Earth orbit) constellation construction. This institutional backing enables faster deployment of China's mega-constellations," Liu noted.
Expanding Horizons: Global Strategies for Accessibility
While services like Starlink charge $99 per month for satellite internet, making it costly in a country with nearly 5 million 5G base stations, Galaxy Space is eyeing global opportunities. Liu highlighted the immense market potential in China's Belt and Road partner countries, where infrastructure for basic telecommunications is lacking, and most populations are limited to 3G or 4G networks.
"We are essentially helping them leap directly from 3G and 4G to 6G. By providing high-speed, ubiquitous satellite internet connections, we enable all people – ordinary citizens – to access affordable communication services," she explained. Liu forecasts that "in five to 10 years, or even sooner," China's satellite internet service will become cheaper than current 5G offerings, making high-speed connectivity more accessible worldwide.
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China's commercial space emerges as a new quality productive force
cgtn.com
