'Use it, or lose it'

The realization of these vast commercial ambitions, however, depends heavily on the physical capacity to launch hardware into space.

The International Telecommunication Union's "first come, first served" regulatory principle comes with strict "use it or lose it" deadlines. Once filed, an applicant must launch the first satellite within seven years and deploy 10 percent of the constellation within nine years.

This regulatory clock places immense pressure on China to increase launch capacity and reduce costs.

The industry is aggressively pursuing reusable rocket technology. In 2025, the Zhuque-3 reusable rocket completed its maiden flight, successfully placing its second stage into orbit and verifying core technologies for first-stage reentry and return.

Furthermore, the "Gravity-2" (Yinli-2) carrier rocket is undergoing intensive hot-fire tests for its "Force-110" liquid oxygen kerosene engine, with a maiden flight and recovery technology verification expected in the second half of the year. The "Blue Flame" 220-ton liquid oxygen methane full-flow staged combustion cycle engine has also completed full-system long-duration test runs.

The Tianlong-3 rocket, designed for large-scale constellation deployment with a "one rocket, 36 satellites" configuration, is preparing for upcoming missions. Experts estimate that reusable technology could slash total launch costs by 40 to 60 percent.

As domestic capabilities mature, Chinese companies are also looking abroad. GalaxySpace is expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia, partnering with local operators in Thailand to build ground stations and test satellite internet applications, marking the first time low-Earth-orbit broadband has been utilized there. Similar agreements have been signed in Hong Kong to explore applications in the Middle East and Africa.

Pan, from Norinco, stressed the importance of international compliance, calling for clearer government guidance to help companies navigate the complex legal landscapes of international operations. Services like the BeiDou short message could find widespread use in global search and rescue, Pan said.

renqi@chinadaily.com.cn