Chinese Factory Leads the World in Mass-Production of Satellites

A Chinese satellite manufacturer, the  Guoyu Starry Sky Technology Co leads the world in the mass-production of satellites, making nearly 150 a year which is one satellite every 2 or 3 days.

The satellites each weigh 200 to 500 kilograms, covering optical remote sensing, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) , low-orbit communication and navigation enhancement models.

"Previously, developing a customized satellite took three to six months. On our flexible production line, a mass-produced satellite can be finished in merely 20 to 25 days," said Shi Changfu, deputy general manager of Guoyu Starry Sky, CCTV reported.

Shi said, with continuous upgrades to automated manufacturing, the factory aims to shorten the production cycle further, eventually producing one satellite per day.

The whole plant runs on an integrated intelligent system empowered by AI and digital twin technology, separating satellite platforms from mission payloads like a smartphone body matching different apps. Different types of satellites can be manufactured on one single line without full redesign.

Despite the short production cycle, every satellite undergoes rigorous tests to replicate extreme temperature, vibration and electromagnetic conditions in orbit.

SAR satellites manufactured here can detect millimeter-level ground deformation around the clock, supporting disaster prevention, geological monitoring and urban management, according to on-site engineers.

Its biggest manufacturing success occured on June 13, when six Huantian Constellation satellites rolled off the production line, including four SAR radar satellites and two optical satellites. The batch is scheduled to launch in the near future.

Shi attributed the efficiency leap to two core strengths: self-developed modular satellite platforms and Wuxi's complete local industrial supply chain. Almost all tiny components, even small screws for satellites, can be sourced locally.

The local government also set up a dedicated service team to coordinate infrastructure construction, transportation and supporting facilities for the space factory.

"Mass production of satellites is a revolutionary upgrade for China's space infrastructure," said Bi Hui, professor at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. "Large-scale low-orbit satellite constellations are urgently needed for national space internet, and this smart base greatly cuts development cycles and costs."