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Shandong expands satellite launch capacity with record 115 spacecraft deployed

Written by  Saturday, 20 September 2025 22:47
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Sep 17, 2025
Shandong province has advanced its role in China's commercial space industry with the Sept 9 launch of the Smart Dragon-3 Y7 from an offshore platform, its second mission in just one month. The province is emerging as a hub for sea-based launch activity, industrial development, and satellite manufacturing. According to Wang Chao of the Shandong Provincial Department of Industry and Informa
Shandong expands satellite launch capacity with record 115 spacecraft deployed
by Riko Seibo
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Sep 17, 2025

Shandong province has advanced its role in China's commercial space industry with the Sept 9 launch of the Smart Dragon-3 Y7 from an offshore platform, its second mission in just one month. The province is emerging as a hub for sea-based launch activity, industrial development, and satellite manufacturing.

According to Wang Chao of the Shandong Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology, the region has completed 18 sea launch missions to date, sending 115 satellites into orbit. Officials emphasized that the clustering effect of the space industry is becoming increasingly pronounced across the province.

Specialization is emerging across key cities. Yantai is handling mission coordination and rocket component manufacturing, Jinan is concentrating on satellite research and ground systems production, while Qingdao focuses on telemetry, control, and marine remote sensing applications. Together, these cities are shaping a complementary ecosystem.

The province maintains a complete commercial space value chain, with leading firms capable of producing 50 solid rockets annually. A new satellite production line under construction will be able to deliver 100 spacecraft in the 500-kg class each year. Efforts also extend to upgrading aerospace electronics and advanced materials.

China Oriental Spaceport, based in Shandong, operates the country's only dedicated sea-launched rocket vessel and relies on technical support from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.

Shandong also leads in engine testing capacity, with nine test stands and 12 test positions spread across Jinan, Yantai, Dezhou, and Tai'an. This infrastructure supports frequent, safe launches and the mass production of rockets and satellites.

Related Links
Shandong Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology
The latest information about the Commercial Satellite Industry


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