On August 19th at 7:45 AM, the first satellite manufactured in Xiong'an New Area, named "Honghu 03 Star," successfully entered its designated orbit. This milestone moment was the culmination of a journey that began less than a year earlier, when the satellite first rolled off the production line at the pilot center of Lanjian Hongqing (Xiong'an) Space Technology Co., Ltd. (referred to as Hongqing Technology).
The "Honghu 03 Star" is a technology verification satellite designed to meet the needs of large-scale satellite internet network deployment. It integrates Hongqing Technology's independently developed next-generation "Jinwu" propulsion system, the "Chiyu" energy system, and the "Baize" electronic system, tackling three fundamental challenges in satellite technology: propulsion, energy, and computing power. Beyond its technical achievements, the satellite carries multiple industry-leading innovations and significant expectations for the sector, making its successful launch particularly meaningful.
Beyond its industry value, what has captured widespread attention is the "Xiong'an speed" demonstrated throughout the project: registration, construction, production, and product rollout all occurred within the same year. From a completely blank slate to a fully realized blueprint, the aerospace information and satellite internet industry has taken root and flourished in Xiong'an New Area, growing alongside the region itself. This raises an intriguing question: how did Xiong'an's first locally-made satellite reach space so quickly?
The steady development of Xiong'an's aerospace information and satellite internet industry owes much to the driving force of "chain leader" enterprises. On October 14, 2024, in the startup zone of Xiong'an New Area, the office building of China Satellite Network Group Co., Ltd. was officially put into use, marking the first central state-owned enterprise to register and settle in Xiong'an. The arrival of China Satellite Network opened a new chapter in the region's aerospace information and satellite internet industry.
Following this, Xiong'an leveraged the presence of chain leader enterprises like China Satellite Network to plan four major development tracks: satellite internet, spatiotemporal information, commercial satellite manufacturing, and aerospace vehicles. The region also mapped out a comprehensive aerospace information industry chain spanning seven sub-sectors. Just one month later, on November 16, the China Aerospace Information and Satellite Internet Innovation Alliance was established in Xiong'an, playing a crucial role in promoting industrial collaboration, innovation, and the formulation of industry standards.
The settlement of one central enterprise attracted an entire supply chain. As China Satellite Network's headquarters took shape, numerous satellite internet upstream and downstream companies and innovation platforms flocked to Xiong'an, including Hongqing Technology—China's only satellite networking solution provider with full ecosystem service capabilities. The company registered in Xiong'an in January 2025.
Shi Yaozhong, general manager of Hongqing Technology, explained the company's decision to choose Xiong'an: "We were drawn to the region's focused development of aerospace information and satellite internet industries, as well as its comprehensive supply chain coordination advantages in areas like satellite internet and network communications." Just as motorcycle manufacturer Zhangxue chose to base itself in Chongqing for its unmatched industrial ecosystem—where a single blueprint can be turned into top-tier products through the local supply chain—Xiong'an offers similar advantages. The clustering effect driven by chain leader enterprises is becoming increasingly evident: Xiong'an now hosts 69 aerospace information-related companies and 9 innovation platforms, with a complete industrial chain rapidly taking shape.
Beyond industrial clustering, Xiong'an's policy advantages and business environment have provided crucial "soft power" support for Hongqing Technology. Shi Yaozhong once remarked, "Satellites need powerful thrust to reach space, and Xiong'an's excellent business environment has been the booster for our company's rapid development." This sentiment is backed by concrete actions. After cooperation intentions were established, Xiong'an's relevant departments proactively provided "one-stop" services covering company registration, facility selection, and personnel relocation, responding to the company's needs at any time.
Financial support has also been substantial. The Xiong'an Technology Innovation Growth Equity Investment Fund invested 80 million yuan in Hongqing Technology. During the construction phase, Xiong'an authorities assisted with factory design, custom-building facilities tailored to the company's production characteristics to meet satellite assembly and transport requirements. Additionally, the "Xiong'an Talent Sixteen Measures" has attracted innovative professionals to build their careers in the region, creating an environment of warmth, strength, and speed that has given Hongqing Technology confidence and motivation.
Once everything was in place, Hongqing Technology moved quickly into action, assembling a professional team of approximately 60 members to carry out research and production. Wu Yan, deputy chief designer of the "Honghu 03 Star" project, is one of them. Having previously participated in multiple satellite development projects, this is his first time working in Xiong'an. "The area changes visibly every day—I often see new buildings rise several floors in just a few days on my commute," he observed. Beyond the rapid development, Wu Yan also expressed admiration for the team's dedication: "Everyone feels it's meaningful to work on 'Honghu 03 Star,' knowing it's Xiong'an's first satellite. There's a remarkable sense of focus and determination."
At the micro level, it is this efficient, pragmatic, and dedicated effort from the research team that overcame one technical challenge after another, leading to the successful production of "Honghu 03 Star." This story has become a vivid illustration of how enterprises in Xiong'an can "come, stay, and thrive."
After production, the satellite underwent a series of tests and preparations before being carried into space aboard the Zhuque-3 reusable rocket. This achievement marks the completion of a full-cycle closed loop 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 of the story.
The Satellite Shared Manufacturing Center and Satellite Shared Testing Center, located within the Xiong'an Science and Technology Innovation Center pilot base, are now in the acceptance phase and will soon be officially opened to commercial aerospace enterprises nationwide. Once operational, all professional testing procedures required before satellite launch can be completed locally. This will address common industry pain points such as heavy capital investment in testing equipment, long experimental lead times, and lengthy satellite transport distances. Looking ahead, the aerospace information and satellite internet industry in Xiong'an New Area is poised for a brilliant future, with more "Xiong'an-made" satellites expected to come off the production line and ascend into space for the benefit of humanity.
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