A group of 18 low Earth orbit satellites was launched from the Hainan commercial spacecraft launch site in south China's Hainan province in March. This mission marks the inaugural mission from the No. 1 launch pad at the launch site, while the No. 2 pad made its maiden launch back on November 30, 2024. The development and operation of the launch site has augmented China's capacity for space launches.

The satellites are part of China's commercial satellite constellation, Spacesail project, also known as Qianfan. The project aims to deploy over 15,000 satellites by 2030 and provide high-speed internet connectivity with minimal transmission delay, making them valuable for remote areas, according to Technology Magazine.

Commercial space in China has flourished in recent years. It appeared in the government work report for the first time in 2024 and was highlighted in 2025 again. "The noting of commercial space in the latest report underlines China's commitment to developing the sector as a part in a drive for innovation-driven development," SpaceNews said.

China's commercial space sector is experiencing vigorous growth, with provincial governments launching initiatives that fuel the country's commercial space expansion. For example, Beijing, Shanghai and Hainan have developed action plans to promote the development of commercial space.

Meanwhile, China is encouraging the growth of its private ecosystems. The country has established a new wave of commercial space companies that are pushing the boundaries of engineering and market-driven applications, Dr. Mathieu Duchatel, a resident senior fellow and director of International Studies at Institut Montaigne, said.

Unlike Western firms that often depend on government contracts, Chinese commercial space companies prioritize consumer-oriented commercialization. "They take more risks, embrace more flexible business models, and integrate satellite technology into everyday applications," Duchatel said.

China's private space sector is already well-advanced, with companies such as Landspace achieving their second successful launch at the end of 2024, according to the Novaspace website.

This confirms that innovation by private enterprises is indispensable for driving the high-quality development of China's space industry.

China's national space program and its booming commercial space industry are propelling the country to the head of the pack of the world's major spacefaring nations, said Dr. Hema Nadarajah, program manager for Southeast Asia at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.