Goals of Actions for Advancing Innovative Development of Commercial Aerospace Industry

A clear roadmap for the development of the commercial aerospace industry in Beijing has been formed with the unveiling of the Action Plan of Beijing to Expedite Innovative Development of Commercial Aerospace Industry (2024-2028) (the Action Plan for short) on January 24.

Beijing strives to significantly enhance the innovation capability and the overall capacity of its commercial aerospace industry by 2028. The city plans to spearhead in China the development of reusable rockets which can be recovered and reflown in orbits, and introduce and nurture over 500 high-tech enterprises, over 100 specialized, refined, differential and innovative enterprises and at least ten unicorns. The number of the listed enterprises is expected to exceed 20. Moving forward, Beijing intends to establish itself as a hub for the innovative development of the commercial aerospace industry and development with a global influence in five years.

Making Breakthroughs in Reusable Rocket Technology and Other Relevant Technologies

Rocket reusability is a pivotal factor in cutting launch expenses and remains a core technology in the commercial aerospace industry. The Action Plan clarifies that Beijing will focus on reusable rockets and breakthroughs in several core technologies such as variable-thrust rocket engines, and accurate navigation and positioning for reentries. The city will make every effort to complete the verification of recovery flights for sub-orbital rockets reaching an altitude of 100 kilometers or higher in three years, lead the national development of reusable rockets and rocket recovery for orbital launches in five years, and explore new launch service models based on scheduled flights.

Additionally, Beijing intends to improve the capabilities of various sections, such as R&D of artificial satellites, ground terminals, and operation and management of satellite constellations, by leveraging the building of large-scale satellite constellations as a driving force to bolster fundamental research capabilities. The goal is to expedite the development and operation of giant satellite constellations and build space infrastructure.

Beijing will actively collaborate with the relevant departments to make forward-looking policies for the commercial aerospace industry, which concern the coordination and registration for the application of frequency and orbit resources for artificial satellites, sharing and utilization of spatial data, and licensing for the launch of civil spacecraft. Support will be given for the experimental implementation of such policies in Beijing. Furthermore, the city will consider setting up satellite data trading zones based on big data trading entities to improve supply and demand chains for data services and data utilization.

Supporting the Development of Space Tourism and Space Manufacturing

According to the relevant heads of Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park, Beijing is recognized as the cradle of China's aerospace industry, housing abundant scientific and technological innovation resources for the industry. Among the Top 100 Commercial Aerospace Enterprises in China in 2023, 51 are based in Beijing. A significant industrial cluster for the innovation of the private commercial aerospace industry has taken shape. Beijing currently demonstrates a unique industrial pattern, with the rocket industry thriving in the southern region and the satellite industry taking center stage in the northern region.

To drive the integrated progress of space science, space application, and space technologies, the Action Plan advocates funding over 10 space science projects annually and introduce a minimum of 10 communication, navigation, and remote sensing application scenarios each year. By focusing on innovative product applications, the Action Plan aims to expedite the establishment of novel models and business forms of the aerospace economy.

Beijing will further encourage the demonstrative use of satellite internet in the remote regions to improve communication services, emergency responses, and other relevant services. The city will release a batch of large models for remote sensing, and conduct testing and engineering applications for new technologies such as novel space power and on-orbit spacecraft servicing and maintenance, and explore business strategies for monitoring space debris and managing space environment. Additionally, the city will take measures to develop space tourism, space manufacturing, and the exploration and exploitation of space resources, forming fresh product and service structures and broadening the scope of commercial space activities.

Establishing a Batch of Platforms for Key Generic Technologies

Leveraging its abundant aerospace infrastructure resources, Beijing plans to launch a series of platforms for key generic technologies that cater to the shared needs of the commercial aerospace enterprises. This effort will foster a public service system for aerospace infrastructure, marked by the coordination of the central and local authorities and the collaborative relationships between academia and enterprises.

The spatial layout of Beijing's aerospace industry, marked by a thriving rocket industry in the southern region and a remarkable satellite industry in the northern region, will see continuous enhancement. The Action Plan plans to support the southern region's rocket-based industrial cluster to, with focus on key equipment, set up an industrial belt for advanced manufacturing in the future. Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area will facilitate the development of the "Beijing Rocket Street" project to construct a specialized industrial park for R&D and launch services for rockets. Daxing District will leverage Beijing Commercial Aerospace Industry Base to accelerate the agglomeration of manufacturing and application capacities for satellites, rockets, and ground terminals, aiming to establish an exemplary industrial park renowned for high-end manufacturing and innovative applications.

The satellite-based industrial cluster in the northern region will prioritize satellite R&D, constellation operations, and utilization of aerospace information. Haidian District will enhance the efficiency of the "Star Valley" project of Zhongguancun Science City to form a leading region for the innovation of the aerospace information industry. Shunyi District will accelerate the establishment of an intelligent equipment industrial base for satellite application. Chaoyang District will expedite the industrial agglomeration of the industries of communication, navigation, and remote sensing applications. Fengtai District will focus on building a center for commercializing aerospace scientific and technological achievements and a satellite internet industrial park. Additionally, Huairou, Shijingshan, and other districts will make the most of their resources as national scientific research platforms to contribute to the development of future-oriented industries.