The 15th Five-Year Plan outlines a strategic push to accelerate the growth of emerging industries, including aerospace. In line with this national directive, Shandong Province is focusing on its goal of becoming a major aerospace province by addressing key bottlenecks and building a robust commercial space ecosystem.
The province's strategy is centered on a unique industrial model that leverages offshore launch leadership, coordinated satellite and rocket manufacturing, and the expansion of space-based applications. A prime example of this vision is the Eastern Aerospace Port in Yantai, which stands as China's only commercial maritime launch homeport, operational since May 2020.
During a recent visit to the Eastern Aerospace Port, reporters learned that for an extended period, the port faced significant challenges due to a lack of integrated development between its rocket and satellite industries. This disconnect frequently led to a situation where either the satellites were ready but awaiting rockets, or vice versa, which negatively impacted the efficiency and profitability of space launch missions. The port is now home to a diverse range of enterprises, including central state-owned, local state-owned, and private companies, all contributing to a value chain that spans from R&D and manufacturing to launch services and satellite data applications.
To tackle these industry challenges head-on, Shandong has established a provincial-level coordination task force for the commercial space sector this year. This team is tasked with issuing targeted support policies concerning funding, talent acquisition, and supply chain improvements, tailored to the specific needs of different enterprises. By adopting a professional and market-driven approach, the province aims to foster a more interconnected industrial landscape and accelerate the formation of a maritime aerospace industry cluster.
The Eastern Aerospace Port has now successfully integrated all facets of the industry, including satellite manufacturing, rocket final assembly, offshore launches, and data application. It currently hosts over 40 companies and has attracted a total investment of 38.5 billion yuan. In a recent milestone, the port achieved its first complete industrial loop involving satellites, rockets, and a launch vessel when a Jielong-3 carrier rocket successfully deployed the Dongfang Huiyan hyperspectral 01 and 02 satellites, which are equipped with high-performance AI inference and computing capabilities, into orbit. This mission also marked the first in-orbit verification of China's space computing technology.
To further promote high-quality development in the commercial space field, Shandong is also organizing regular industry matchmaking conferences and events. So far this year, these initiatives have led to the signing of numerous projects, including agreements on satellite-rocket industry integration and financial support for commercial space growth, with a combined contractual value of 63.5 billion yuan.
Looking ahead, the province has set ambitious targets. By 2027, Shandong aims to have the annual capacity to produce 100 carrier rockets and 150 commercial satellites, with the overall scale of its commercial space industry reaching 50 billion yuan.