Shandong is set to make strides in space industry development revolving around sea launch missions [Photo/Dazhong News]

The Smart Dragon-3 Y7 was launched off the coast of East China's Shandong province on Sept 9, marking the second launch mission that the province has completed within just one month. Shandong, with a solid industrial foundation and a wide range of industries, is promoting the high-quality development of the space industry.

"To date, Shandong has secured 18 sea launch missions with a total of 115 satellites sent into the universe," said Wang Chao, an official from the Shandong Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology.

Currently, the province is focusing on sea-launched rockets as it seeks to boost the development of its commercial space industry. The agglomeration effect of the commercial space-related industries in the province is becoming more and more evident.

Yantai is concentrating on the organization of sea-launched rocket missions and the manufacturing of rocket-related components. Jinan is mainly committed to the research and development of satellites and the production of ground-based equipment. Qingdao is focusing on telemetry and control services as well as the application of marine remote sensing. The three cities have preliminarily formed a pattern of complementary advantages and differentiated development.

Shandong boasts a complete commercial space industry value chain. It has strong capacity in rocket and satellite production, with leading companies capable of making 50 solid rockets per year. In addition, the province is building a production line, which is expected to produce 100 500-kg-class satellites annually. It is also upgrading key supporting fields like aerospace electronics and special materials.

Shandong-based China Oriental Spaceport has the only dedicated sea-launched rocket ship in China. It has formed a professional launch support team with the assistance of the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.

Furthermore, Shandong leads the nation in commercial rocket engine test facilities, with nine test stands and 12 test positions in cities like Jinan, Yantai, Dezhou and Tai'an, ensuring high-frequency launches, mass production, and high-safety operations.