On August 19 at 7:45 AM, the first satellite manufactured in Xiong'an New Area, the "Honghu 03" satellite, successfully entered orbit. The story began on October 22, 2025, when the satellite rolled off the production line at the pilot center of Lanjian Hongqing (Xiong'an) Space Technology Co., Ltd. (hereafter "Hongqing Technology"), marking the first satellite ever built in Xiong'an.
The "Honghu 03" is a technology verification satellite designed for the needs of large-scale satellite internet networking. It integrates Hongqing Technology's independently developed next-generation "Jinwu" propulsion system, "Chiyu" energy system, and "Baize" electronic system, targeting three core challenges in satellite propulsion, energy, and computing power. It also carries multiple technological innovations of industry-breaking significance, embodying high expectations for the satellite sector.
Beyond its industry value, the satellite is celebrated for the "Xiong'an speed" it represents—registered, constructed, put into production, and completed within the same year. From a blank slate to a full blueprint, the aerospace information and satellite internet industry has taken root and flourished in Xiong'an, growing alongside the New Area itself. This raises a key question: how did the first "Made in Xiong'an" satellite reach space so quickly?
The steady development of Xiong'an's aerospace information and satellite internet industry owes much to the leadership of "chain master" enterprises. On October 14, 2024, in the startup zone of Xiong'an, China Satellite Network Group Co., Ltd. (China SatNet) officially opened its office building, becoming the first central state-owned enterprise to register in the New Area. Its arrival opened a new chapter for the local aerospace information and satellite internet industry, prompting Xiong'an to plan four major tracks—satellite internet, spatiotemporal information, commercial satellite smart manufacturing, and aerospace vehicles—while constructing a seven-segment aerospace information industry chain.
A month later, Xiong'an made another major move. On November 16, the China Aerospace Information and Satellite Internet Innovation Alliance was inaugurated in Xiong'an. Since then, the alliance has played a key role in fostering industrial collaboration, coordinated innovation, and industry standard setting.
The settlement of one central enterprise drew in an entire industry chain. With China SatNet's headquarters taking root, multiple satellite internet upstream and downstream companies and innovation platforms flocked to Xiong'an, including Hongqing Technology. It is the only satellite networking solution provider in China with full-ecosystem service capabilities, and it registered in Xiong'an in January 2025.
On August 19 at 7:35 AM, the Honghu 03 satellite was launched aboard the Zhuque-3 Yao-2 carrier rocket. Shi Yaozhong, general manager of Hongqing Technology, stated: "We chose Xiong'an because we recognized its focus on developing the aerospace information and satellite internet industry, and its advantages in coordinating a complete supply chain for satellite internet and network communications." This mirrors how Zhang Xue Motors chose to root itself in Chongqing, drawn by the city's top-tier motorcycle industry system—where a single design drawing can be turned into a premium product with local support. Similarly, in Xiong'an, the clustering effect led by "chain master" enterprises is becoming increasingly evident. Today, the New Area has gathered 69 aerospace information-related companies and 9 innovation platforms, with a complete industry chain rapidly taking shape.
Beyond industrial clustering, Xiong'an's policy advantages and business environment—its "soft power"—have also provided strong support for Hongqing Technology. "A satellite needs powerful thrust to reach orbit, and Xiong'an's excellent business environment has been the booster for our rapid growth," Shi Yaozhong once remarked. This is no exaggeration. After the two parties reached a cooperation agreement, Xiong'an's relevant departments proactively engaged, offering "one-stop" services for company registration, factory site selection, and personnel relocation, responding to corporate needs at any time. It wasn't just administrative assistance; substantial financial backing followed. After the company was established, the Xiong'an Science and Technology Innovation Growth Equity Fund invested 80 million yuan in Hongqing Technology. During the construction phase, local authorities helped design the factory tailored to the company's production characteristics, meeting the needs for satellite assembly and full-machine transport. Meanwhile, Xiong'an's "Xiongcai 16 Measures" attracted innovative talent to settle in the area with confidence.
These warm, forceful, and rapid support measures left Hongqing Technology feeling secure and motivated. With everything in place, the company quickly ramped up operations, assembling a team of about 60 professionals for research, development, and production. Wu Yan, deputy chief designer of the Honghu 03 project, is one of them. Having worked on several satellite projects, this was his first time in Xiong'an. "The area changes daily—it's developing so fast, and the changes are visible everywhere," he said, noting that on his commute he often sees new buildings rising within days. Beyond the rapid development, Wu Yan expressed admiration for the team's dedication: "Everyone felt it was meaningful to work on the Honghu 03, being Xiong'an's first satellite, so they were exceptionally focused and driven."
At a micro level, it was this efficient, pragmatic, and dedicated effort that overcame technical hurdles and led to the Honghu 03's successful production. This story serves as a vivid example of how companies in Xiong'an can "arrive, stay, and thrive." After production, the satellite underwent a series of tests and preparations before being launched into space aboard the Zhuque-3 reusable Yao-2 rocket. This marked a full-cycle closure for Xiong'an's aerospace information and satellite internet industry—from research and manufacturing to in-orbit application. However, this is far from the end; the story of "Made in Xiong'an" satellites continues to unfold. The satellite shared smart manufacturing center and shared testing center, located in the pilot base of Xiong'an Science and Technology Innovation Center, are now in the acceptance phase and will soon open to commercial aerospace companies nationwide. Once operational, all professional pre-launch testing procedures can be completed there, addressing industry pain points such as heavy investment in testing assets, long experimental schedules, and long satellite transport distances.
Looking ahead, Xiong'an's aerospace information and satellite internet industry is poised to shine like a starry sky, with more "Made in Xiong'an" satellites set to be produced and launched for the benefit of humanity.
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