Reaching for the stars: China's commercial space odyssey in 2024

by Ma Yueran

In humanity's pursuit of the "stars and seas," commercial space exploration, driven by market forces and profit motives, has emerged as a vital new frontier. This year, the term "commercial space" appeared for the first time in China’s government work report, signaling a significant policy endorsement for the industry. From milestones like the launch of a domestic satellite internet constellation to advancements in rocket recovery technology and the inauguration of China’s first commercial space launch site, 2024 marked a turning point for the sector. Yet, the journey was not without challenges. Unforeseen incidents and underwhelming launch frequencies tempered the excitement, casting shadows on an otherwise eventful year.

The breakthroughs: satellites light up the sky

China achieved major progress in deploying low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations in 2024. On August 6 and December 16, the Qianfan Constellation and China StarNet GW Constellation launched their first batches of satellites. Additional Qianfan launches in October and December increased its in-orbit satellite count to 54, heralding a domestic satellite network boom.

LEO satellite internet systems, which rely on a web of satellites orbiting 160 to 2,000 kilometers above Earth, offer low latency, high bandwidth, and cost efficiency. These systems enable broadband connectivity for ground and airborne terminals, revolutionizing global communication.

China StarNet plans to deploy nearly 13,000 satellites by 2029, while Qianfan aims for over 10,000 by 2030. These ambitious targets are expected to drive growth in satellite manufacturing and rocket production, ushering in an era of high-frequency launches and larger payload capacities for China’s commercial space industry.

Advancements in rocket technology

Reusable liquid-fueled rockets have become a focal point for reducing transportation costs. Private companies like LandSpace, Deep Blue Aerospace, and iSpace made significant strides in rocket recovery technology this year.

LandSpace conducted two major vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) tests in January and September, simulating key recovery stages such as re-ignition and realignment using advanced guidance algorithms. Although Deep Blue Aerospace encountered a setback during a September test, the progress marked important advancements for the domestic sector.

These efforts are laying the foundation for private enterprises to innovate independently, moving beyond imitation of state-backed projects, said Dai Zheng, Rocket R&D Manager at LandSpace. Vertical integration is seen as a critical step toward building self-sustaining ecosystems within the commercial space industry.

Infrastructure milestones

Rocket launches, a cornerstone of the space value chain, faced bottlenecks in 2024 due to limited infrastructure. Addressing this gap, the Hainan Commercial Space Launch Site, China’s first dedicated commercial launch facility, began operations.

Located in Wenchang, the facility includes two launch pads capable of accommodating nearly 20 rocket types. On November 30, it hosted its inaugural mission, launching satellites for internet technology experiments. According to Xinhua News, the site is a critical step in building a comprehensive commercial space ecosystem, providing vital support for large-scale satellite constellation projects.

The setbacks: lessons from the stars

Not all moments in 2024 were celebratory. On June 30, a ground test involving Space Pioneer’s Tianlong-3 rocket resulted in an unexpected accident when the first-stage rocket detached, rising briefly before crashing 1.5 kilometers away. While no injuries were reported, the incident caused property damage and disrupted nearby residents’ lives.

The mishap underscored the risks of space exploration. Space Pioneer, a rising star in the industry, had previously achieved the maiden launch of a medium-sized liquid rocket in 2023. However, the accident highlighted the need for stricter safety standards and regulatory oversight to ensure sustainable growth.

China’s commercial rocket launches also fell short of expectations. Of the projected 100 annual launches, only 67 were completed by December. Private firms, which were expected to surpass last year’s record of 13 launches, struggled to meet those numbers. High-profile failures, such as iSpace’s Hyperbola-1 rocket mishap in July, and heightened competition from state-backed players further added to the pressure.

Looking ahead: hope on the horizon

Despite challenges, optimism prevails for 2025 and beyond. The growing demand for satellite deployments is expected to boost commercial rocket launches, with companies like LandSpace planning to roll out improved models. Advancements in reusable rocket technology are anticipated to lower costs and increase launch frequencies.

Local governments are also providing significant support. Hainan is developing the Wenchang International Space City, while Beijing is constructing a “Rocket Avenue” innovation hub. These initiatives aim to streamline production and enhance launch capabilities, setting the stage for accelerated growth in China’s commercial space sector.

As 2024 comes to a close, it will be remembered as a year of both progress and setbacks—a testament to the trials and triumphs of reaching for the cosmos.