Recently, China expressed its optimism towards achieving a full matured space industry by 2015. Initially, the government wants to build a comprehensive space technology program that can be commercialized and earn revenues for the nation according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASTC).
Basing on the report from the Chinese space agency released on Jul 28, 2008, China would like to establish a good network of research facilities that will concentrate mainly on developing aerospace products and technologies. They plan to build at least four more of these high-tech facilities in Hainan and Tianjin. These will be in addition to the present working facilities in Beijing, Shanghai, Sichuan and Shanxi. According to the program’s General Manger Ma Xingrui, such developments will enhance the economic output of the country especially in the Northern part of China.
Aside from the aspect of national pride, CASTC also would like to be very competent when it comes to the production, research and testing of space products for global clients that require satellites launched or other services. This will generally enhance the competition since space technology commerce is primarily dominated by the United States, Russia and other developed countries. Of course, with the entry of Chinese space products in the market, prices for space services and equipments will surely go down.
One of the main goals of Chinese space agency is to be one of the leading producers of commercial satellites. By 2015, CASTC aims to at least gobble up 15 percent of the global demands in satellite launch services while taking at least 10 percent of commercial satellite production worldwide. Up until 2009, China through CASTC has already launched 50 spacecraft bringing a total of 43 satellites to orbit in space. The remaining of 50 launches included one lunar probe and six space ships.