Nation soars ahead with space missions
Last year, a long chapter was written in the history of China's space industry, with a host of memorable events taking place.
The screen at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center showsthe Chang'e 4 robotic probe(R) and the rover Yutu 2 taking photos of each other, Jan. 11, 2019. [Photo/Xinhua]
Opportunities from 5G
Unlike private rocket makers who made headlines last year, private satellite developers kept a low profile. They set their sights on the game-changing fifth-generation wireless technology, or 5G, for digital cellular networks, as it can create many business opportunities for them.
Xie Tao, CEO of Commsat, said he is looking to a combination of 5G technology and low-orbiting satellites as a major growth stimulus for the domestic satellite industry.
Commsat, based in Beijing is a frontrunner in the private satellite sector. The company has placed in orbit eight small satellites it designed and built.
"If we put 5G technology and a low-orbiting satellite network together, we will be able to do a lot of things, like regular monitoring of wild animals and real-time tracking of transporting hazardous goods," he said.
Xie said the company will develop and build four or five more small satellites this year and is preparing to set up a mass-production factory.
He said that when the Space Law is enacted (due this year), he hopes that a specific proportion of government-funded space programs can be undertaken by private enterprises.
Xie added that this would significantly foster the private space industry and consequently strengthen the nation's overall competitiveness in space.
