China launches satellite industry zone in Shanghai

China launched a “G60 Star Chain” satellite industry zone in Songjiang District, Shanghai on Friday. The area is set to lead China’s satellite industry and offer examples, experience, and become the benchmark of the industry, according to the report by the China News Service.

The industry area will be constructed by the Songjiang district government, Shanghai Alliance Investment and state-owned Lingang Group. The manufacturing capacity will reach 300 satellites each year and reduce the cost of single unit by 35 percent.

The whole program is separated into three phases with the first phase expected to enter service in 2023. The “G60 Star Chain” is aiming to construct a communication constellation consisting of LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites, build a 500 mu (33.33 hectares) satellite manufacturing area and produce over 20 billion satellites during the 14th Five-Year Plan 2021-25.

At present, seven enterprises have signed contracts to settle in the “G60 Star Chain” satellite industry zone, which will cover multiple aspects of the satellite manufacturing chain, marking the “G60 Star Chain” is taking shape. Global Times