Only by ensuring reliability, delivery timelines, and end-to-end services can Chinese commercial space companies truly win the trust of more international clients.
Egypt, Nepal, and the UAE—three satellites from these countries were recently launched aboard China’s Lijian-1 Y11 commercial carrier rocket in a "one rocket, nine satellites" mission. This is not the first time Chinese commercial rockets have carried out international satellite launches. Besides CAS Space’s Lijian-1, companies like Galactic Energy and Yuanxin Satellite are also expanding into overseas markets.
In late November, the China National Space Administration released the "Action Plan for High-Quality and Safe Development of Commercial Space (2025–2027)," explicitly encouraging Chinese commercial space firms to "go global" and participate in international competition and cooperation.
Globally, SpaceX’s Starlink project is rapidly deploying satellites with over 160 launches per year, while Elon Musk has confirmed SpaceX’s IPO plans for next year. Industry experts suggest this will intensify competition in the commercial space sector, making it even more urgent for Chinese rocket firms to expand internationally.
**International Satellites "Rideshare" on Chinese Rockets** "These three foreign satellites were launched via a rideshare model," explained an engineer from a private Chinese space company. The satellites from Egypt, Nepal, and the UAE shared the same rocket, a cost-effective approach known as "rideshare launches."
This model reduces per-satellite launch costs and improves the utilization of rocket capacity, while also shortening response times for overseas orders. The engineer noted that some Chinese commercial rockets already offer launch costs of 50,000–60,000 RMB per kilogram, with potential 30% reductions as more liquid-fueled rockets enter the market. "Compared to SpaceX’s Falcon 9 at $3,000–5,000 per kilogram, we still hold a competitive edge."
Beyond CAS Space, Galactic Energy signed agreements in February with Germany’s FEM-Composites and Malaysia’s Distant Blue for international launch services. Meanwhile, Galaxy Space partnered with Thailand’s True Corporation for low-Earth orbit satellite communications. Two months later, Yuanxin Satellite reached cooperation agreements with Thailand’s NT, Brazil’s TELEBRAS, and Malaysia’s MEASAT to promote its "Qianfan Constellation" overseas.
However, the engineer emphasized that expanding globally requires meeting higher international standards. "Going global isn’t just about price—it’s about supply chain stability, quality transparency, and long-term client engagement." Emerging markets often have varying launch protocols, requiring Chinese firms to adapt to global standards.
**Competing with SpaceX for Orders** SpaceX remains the dominant competitor in the international market. According to Novaspace, SpaceX’s 2024 revenue reached $11.8 billion, with Starlink contributing $7.8 billion. Beyond the U.S., SpaceX has served clients like Argentina and South Korea.
On December 11, the author of SpaceX’s biography *Liftoff* posted on X that SpaceX’s revenue could hit $22–24 billion next year, driven partly by AI-related database projects. Musk’s confirmation of a 2025 IPO suggests further financial ambitions.
A commercial space investor noted that SpaceX’s potential IPO and funding needs are intensifying global competition. In China, CAS Space and Landspace began IPO preparations mid-year, while Tianbing Technology and Galactic Energy filed for listings in October.
"Though Chinese firms still lag behind SpaceX in development speed, securing overseas orders is both a commercial and strategic priority," said Zhang Chi, founder of New Vision Capital. "International markets test rocket reliability and offer a platform to influence global space standards."
Criticism of SpaceX is also growing. Former Arianespace CEO Stéphane Israël has called SpaceX’s satellite dominance a "de facto space monopoly." In 2024, SpaceX conducted 152 launches—over 60% of the global market—deploying nearly 2,000 Starlink satellites.
"In this climate, clients from Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are seeking alternative providers," Zhang added. "Chinese firms must invest in supply chains and product upgrades, enhancing stability, consistency, and cost control to carve out a competitive niche."
Comments