According to Xinhua, at a smart satellite manufacturing plant in Wuxi city (Jiangsu, China), technicians in anti-static equipment assemble satellites on an automatic production line in a dust-free and noise-free environment.
This is the largest and smartest mass satellite production facility in Jiangsu province, invested by Guoyu Starry Sky Technology Company with a total capital of 1 billion yuan (about 147 million USD). The factory has a capacity of more than 150 satellites per year.
The satellites produced here weigh from 200-500 kg, including optical remote sensing satellites, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, low-orbit communication satellites and enhanced positioning satellites.
Shi Changfu - Deputy General Director of Guoyu Starry Sky - said that previously, the development of a satellite as required took 3-6 months. With the flexible production line today, a mass-produced satellite only needs about 20-25 days to complete.
According to him, this progress comes from a modular satellite platform developed by the enterprise itself and a complete supply chain in the locality. Most components, including small details such as screws, can be supplied right at Vo Tich.
The plant operates on an integrated smart system, applying artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin technology, allowing separation of satellite platforms and mission loads. As a result, many different types of satellites can be produced on the same production line without a complete redesign.
Along the production line, robot arms are responsible for applying heat-ducting grease and assembling precision components to improve accuracy and efficiency.
After completion, each satellite undergoes space environment simulation tests such as thermal vacuum, vibration and electromagnetism to ensure its ability to operate on orbit.
According to engineers at the factory, SAR radar satellites produced here can detect ground deformities at the millimeter level day and night, serving disaster prevention, geological monitoring and urban management.
On June 13, the factory simultaneously launched 6 satellites belonging to the constellation Huantian, including 4 SAR radar satellites and 2 optical satellites. This satellite batch is expected to be launched in the near future.
Professor Bi Hui - Nanjing Aerospace University - believes that mass satellite production is an important step forward for space infrastructure. According to him, low-orbiting satellite constellations play an important role in developing the space internet and smart manufacturing platforms that significantly shorten manufacturing time and costs.
According to official figures, by the end of 2025, Wuxi city had 325 businesses operating in the field of commercial aerospace, of which 52 large-scale businesses achieved revenue of 14.48 billion yuan. Wuxi High-Tech Park has also formed a complete industrial chain, from missiles, satellites, ground stations to space data services.
Shi Changfu said that along with continuing to upgrade the automated production line, the factory aims to produce one satellite per day in the future.
