China's Satellite Factory Cuts Production Time to 20-25 Days

Anechoic chamber for satellite antenna testing at the Guoyu Starry Sky Technology facility, Wuxi, eastern China. Photo: Xinhua via China Daily.

JAKARTA - The satellite factory in Wuxi, eastern China, is capable of completing one mass production satellite in 20 to 25 days. Previously, the development of special satellites took three to six months.

China Daily, quoted Wednesday, July 22, said the facility was operated by Guoyu Starry Sky Technology Co Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Beijing Minospace Technology. The investment value reached 1 billion yuan or about 147 million US dollars.

The factory on the edge of Taihu Lake is said to be the largest and most intelligent mass production base of satellites in Jiangsu Province. Its capacity exceeds 150 satellites per year.

The satellites produced have a weight of 200 to 500 kilograms. The types include optical remote sensing satellites, synthetic aperture radar or SAR satellites, low-orbit communications, and navigation enhancement.

"In the past, the development of a special satellite took three to six months. In our flexible production line, a mass production satellite can be completed in only 20 to 25 days," said Deputy General Manager of Guoyu Starry Sky Shi Changfu.

The robot arm applies heat transfer lubricant and assembles precision components automatically. The system improves assembly accuracy and efficiency.

China Daily also noted that all factories are run through an integrated system supported by artificial intelligence and digital twin technology. A digital twin is a virtual model of a physical object or process.

The system separates the satellite's main platform from its mission payload. The concept is similar to a mobile body that can be paired with various applications.

That way, a variety of satellite types can be made in one production line without redesigning the entire system.

Each satellite undergoes testing to mimic conditions in orbit. Equipment includes thermal vacuum chambers and vibration test tables.

The satellite is tested to withstand the extreme temperatures, vibrations, and electromagnetic conditions that can be encountered in space.

According to the engineers on site, the factory-made SAR satellite is capable of detecting changes in the ground surface to the millimeter level over time. This ability can support disaster prevention, geological monitoring, and city management.

On June 13, six Huantian Constellation satellites came out of the production line. The six satellites consist of four SAR radar satellites and two optical satellites scheduled to launch in the near future.

Shi said production efficiency was supported by a self-developed modular satellite platform and a complete supply chain in Wuxi. Almost all components, including small screws, can be obtained from local suppliers.

The local government has also formed a special service team to coordinate the construction of infrastructure, transportation, and supporting facilities for the factory.

Professor of Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Bi Hui said the smart base cuts the development time and production costs of satellites.

"A large number of low-orbit satellite constellations are needed for a national space internet network," said Bi.

Official data shows that Wuxi has 325 commercial space companies by the end of 2025. A total of 52 large companies posted a combined revenue of 14.48 billion yuan.

The Wuxi High Technology Zone also gathers 30 major companies with industrial production values of more than 2 billion yuan. Its industry chain includes rockets, satellites, ground terminals, and space data services.

Shi said manufacturing automation will continue to be improved to cut production time. The ultimate goal is to produce one satellite every day.