Space WeChat Launches: A New Era of Activity in Space

Key Takeaways

China’s satellite launches are increasing significantly, with over 50 completed in just the first half of 2025.
The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is easing regulations to boost the satellite communication industry.
Low-orbit satellite Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to grow rapidly, providing widespread coverage at a lower cost than traditional satellite communications.

China’s satellite launch sites are experiencing unprecedented activity, with over 50 launches completed in the first half of 2025 alone, nearly doubling the frequency compared to the same timeframe last year. This surge is not just confined to the sky; the satellite communication sector on the A-share market has seen a remarkable rise, with multiple companies hitting daily limit gains, signaling robust investor confidence.

This acceleration in satellite launches signals a pivotal moment for the satellite communication industry, marked by policy and technological advancements being referred to as a “double inflection point.” The recent issuance of the “Guiding Opinions on Optimizing Business Access to Promote the Development of the Satellite Communication Industry” aims to streamline the licensing process, enhance technological access, and support innovative satellite communication solutions, thereby creating an environment conducive to rapid market entry for telecommunications and aerospace companies.

The landscape for satellite communication is shifting from being a luxury service to a necessary utility. Influential figures like Elon Musk have educated consumers on the benefits of satellite technologies. Furthermore, advancements, such as Huawei’s Mate 60 opening the door for consumer smartphones to connect directly to satellites, exemplify this transition. Automobile manufacturers, such as Geely and BYD, are similarly exploring satellite connectivity for vehicles.

Despite progress in commercial satellite applications, there remains a reliance on high-orbit satellites. The future of low-orbit satellite communication is paramount, particularly as domestic networks like China SatNet aim to catch up with established players like Starlink, which currently operates over 8,000 satellites. The low-orbit satellite Internet of Things presents a promising alternative, needing fewer satellites for global coverage and offering significantly lower communication costs—only 1% of traditional satellite communication fees.

The satellite Internet of Things could provide crucial service in remote and underserved areas, supporting industries requiring reliable, low-cost communication, such as logistics and agriculture. Unlike traditional satellite services, which are comparable to “optical fibers in space,” the satellite IoT is akin to a “WeChat in space,” facilitating data transmission for both humans and devices.

Globally, companies like Iridium, which rebounded from near bankruptcy, are pivoting towards satellite IoT services. The competitive landscape in this sector is less saturated, with players like Spacetime Navigation operating 64 satellites, aiming for a user base that could surpass that of Iridium. The push towards enhancing satellite Internet of Things capabilities could revolutionize communications and dramatically reduce costs, finally making these technologies accessible to the general public.

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