Nantong firm plays key role in inaugural mission of China's first commercial space launch site

China's first commercial space launch site, located in Hainan, completed its inaugural mission on Nov 30. At the heart of this achievement was a cutting-edge satellite developed and constructed by Galaxy Space, a pioneering aerospace firm based in the Nantong Economic and Technological Development Area.

The satellite, launched aboard the Long March-12 rocket, was designed to test satellite internet technology.

Galaxy Space is a unicorn company in China's commercial aerospace sector. It has developed independent research and production capabilities for communication payloads and core platform components, which it can mass-produce at low cost. It also boasts internationally leading expertise in the development of key components such as communication payloads, onboard computers, and solar arrays.

Over the past six years, Galaxy Space has established itself as a trailblazer in China's commercial space industry, achieving numerous industry firsts. These include the development of China's first flat-panel satellite equipped with flexible solar wings and the mass production of low-Earth orbit broadband communication satellites. The company has also contributed to building a more open and innovative supply chain ecosystem for commercial space in China.

Galaxy Space's Nantong Satellite Smart Factory has become a key production hub, capable of manufacturing up to 100 satellites annually at low cost.

Zhu Zhengxian, chief technology officer of Galaxy Space, emphasized the company's commitment to innovation and rapid technological advancement. He highlighted plans to focus on breakthroughs in phased-array antennas for direct satellite-to-mobile connections, high-energy onboard power systems, and digital payload technologies. Additionally, Galaxy Space aims to accelerate the mass production of satellites and key equipment, working closely with partners across the supply chain to advance the development of space infrastructure.

The satellite's transportation site is seen at the Galaxy Space Nantong Satellite Smart Factory. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_78ba52d6e1ed]

China's first commercial space launch site in Hainan completes its inaugural mission on Nov 30. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_78ba52d6e1ed]