China’s Commercial Space Industry Prioritises Efficiency and Cost Reduction
The successful inaugural launch from China’s first commercial launch facility in Wenchang, the Hainan spaceport, marks a pivotal moment for the nation’s private aerospace sector. With increasing demand for satellite deployments, companies are striving to enhance production efficiency and slash costs.
Landmark Launch at Hainan Commercial Spaceport
On November 30, the Long March-12 carrier rocket launched from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in Wenchang International Aerospace City. This was the first mission from China’s spaceport dedicated to commercial space activities.
With plans for monthly launches starting in 2025, the site is set to play a vital role in supporting the deployment of large-scale satellite constellations. The milestone highlights China’s growing emphasis on fostering commercial space ventures.
Focus on Reducing Costs
Private aerospace companies are prioritising cost reduction to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving industry. Xia Dongkun, co-founder of Galactic Energy, a Beijing-based aerospace company, emphasised this goal:
“Cost reduction is on our mind day and night. Only by lowering costs can the entire industry chain function and allow everyone to thrive.”
Similarly, I-Space, another commercial space enterprise, is investing heavily in new facilities near the Hainan site. These include an offshore recovery system test stand and an experimental centre, with a total investment exceeding 1 billion yuan (approximately $140 million).
He Guanghui, CEO of I-Space, underlined the importance of reducing costs throughout the launch process. He remarked:
“Competition is fierce among commercial space companies. Beyond developing reliable rocket products, we’re essentially a transportation business, and we must ensure control over total service costs.”
Innovation in Satellite Manufacturing
Efforts to lower costs are not limited to rocket launches. GalaxySpace, the developer of an experimental satellite launched by Long March-12, is employing advanced manufacturing technologies to meet rising demand.
According to Gao Qianfeng, co-founder of GalaxySpace:
“Compared to six years ago, the cost of a certain type of satellite has reached mass production levels, dropping from 80–90 million yuan to just over 10 million yuan.”
These advancements in satellite production are critical for building future satellite constellations efficiently and affordably.
Looking Ahead
The commercial space sector in China is poised for rapid growth. I-Space anticipates ten commercial launches from the Hainan site in 2024, with exponential increases in the coming years. The focus on cost reduction and innovation will likely accelerate the nation’s progress in the global space race.
With inputs from Reuters
