CASC Issues Commercial Space Program

During the following 3 years, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) will implement commercial practices in launch services, in the areas of communications,navigation and remote sensing satellites, as well focusing on promoting commercial launch services and satellite applications for global low orbit satellite mobile communications, space internet systems and SuperView-1 commercial remote sensing satellite constellation consolidating the overall in-depth development of CASC’s commercial space capabilities.

SHANG Zhi, Director General of Department of Space System, CASC introduced the commercial space status and future plans of CASC at the 4th China (international) Commercial Space Summit held in Wuhan, Hubei Province on September 26.

LONG MARCH AND JIE LONG HELP COMMERCIAL SPACE LAUNCH SERVICES

As part of the commercial launch service, a solid microlauncher Jie Long of CASC is scheduled to be launched at the end of 2018. The vehicle has a launch capacity of 150 kg to a 700 km SSO with a single launch price of no more than RMB 25 million Yuan. Jie Long will offer a more flexible, economic and rapid channel for demonstration of microsatellites, deployment and replacement of constellations.

In addition, a variety of different Long March series newgeneration launch vehicles are expected to provide commercial space launches in the future. The LM-11 will be adopted for the first sea-launch during the first half of 2019. New-generation medium liquid carrier rockets including LM-6, LM-7 and LM-8 will have their maiden flights in 2020. With brand new telemetry and launch modes, these carrier rockets will greatly reduce launch costs, improve safety and shorten time to launch.

SuperView-1 is being launched by a LM-2D launch vehiclePhoto: MA Ji

Focusing on the commercial market, CASC is capable of supplying a full range of commercial launch services with the Long March series launch vehicle to customers both at home and abroad, including dedicated, rideshare and piggyback launches. The non-toxic and pollution-free new-generation of launch vehicles rolled out in succession will meet the launch requirements to all orbits.

HONGYAN, GAOTONG AND SUPERVIEW COMMERCIALIZATION APPLICATION PACE INCREASED

Increasing the pace of growth of the satellite application industry is a key direction for CASC’s commercial space strategy.

Communications Satellite Application

CASC is advancing the construction of a global low orbit mobile satellite communications and space internet system,called the Hongyan Constellation program. The first satellite of the program is planned to launch in December 2018, piggybacked on a LM-2D carrier rocket. By 2020, a test and demonstration system composed of 9 satellites will have been completed and the first phase of the system will have been finished by 2023.

Through the system, six types of application services including mobile terminal communication, broadband internet access,internet of things, hot news push, navigation enhance and aviation, maritime surveillance will be available around the world,enabling China’s satellite communication coverage to extend over oceans and even to areas in the south and north poles for the first time.

The advance of the commercialization of high orbit communications satellites, especially high-throughput satellites will be complimentary. According to the current schedule, CASC will have 3 - 4 high-throughput satellites operating in orbit by the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan. The ChinaSat-18 high-throughput satellite is expected to be launched in 2019. Together with ChinaSat-16 launched previously, the two satellites will provide 30 G capacity, covering the whole territory of China. Another two extra-large capacity geosynchronous high-throughput satellites are scheduled to be launched around 2023, making the capacity of the on-orbit high-throughput satellite system no less than 500 G.

Commercial Remote Sensing Satellite

The first phase construction of CASC’s independently invested commercial remote sensing satellite system has been completed, with four 0.5 m optical SuperView-1 satellites operating in orbit, capable of observing the globe on a daily basis.

At the end of March 2018, the SuperView-1 had taken 368301 images, covering 3931 square kilometers. The image products have reached an international advanced level. There are more than 30 SuperView-1 satellite outlets around the world, selling satellite data to over 20 countries and regions.

CASC will continue to develop commercial remote sensing satellites, such as high-end optical satellites and agile SAR satellites to diversify its commercial remote sensing satellites.

CONSTRUCT A COMMERCIAL SPACE COMMUNITY OF INTERESTS THROUGH OPEN COOPERATION

CASC issued guidance on accelerating the development of commercial space at the 7th work meeting this August, making clear that developing commercial space is an important way for CASC to implement national strategy, promote and deepen the reform well rounded way enabling it to become an aerospace power and directing commercial space development in the new era.

CASC actively opens its supply chain, opening its door to qualified enterprises and entities which have key and critical technologies, with independent controllability. CASC also is actively promoting the establishment of unions between commercial space launch vehicles, components, TT&C and small satellites to strengthen resource sharing, develop technologies and innovate business models thus create a community of interests of commercial space.

By the end of the 13th Five-Year Plan period, CASC will further perfect commercial space management system, creating a divers ified commercialized space product and service system while cultivating several commercial space companies which are equity diversified, market-oriented and meet the requests of modern enterprise system, implementing in fluential space programs and train outstanding entrepreneurs in commercial space area. (China Space News)