Original Title: Policy Interpretation of the "Shanghai Action Plan for Promoting Commercial Space Development and Building a Hub for the Spatial Information Industry (2023–2025)"

Currently, the global technological revolution and industrial transformation are in full swing, and the space information industry has become a focal point of global technological and industrial competition. Represented by Beidou navigation, satellite internet, satellite remote sensing, and commercial space activities, the space information industry encompasses satellite manufacturing, launch vehicles, ground system construction, and space information applications. It plays a significant role in empowering urban digital transformation and fostering new engines of economic growth.

Commercial space is a vital force in driving the development of the spatial information industry and building a space power.To thoroughly implement the national strategies of building a space power and a Digital China, seize key opportunities for the development of commercial space activities, accelerate the establishment of a future-oriented commercial space development framework in the city, and strive to achieve high-quality development of the spatial information industry, Shanghai has formulated and issued the "Shanghai Action Plan for Promoting Commercial Space Activities and Building a Hub for the Spatial Information Industry (2023–2025)." Centered on its primary objectives, the plan comprehensively implements 16 key tasks and continuously advances five aspects of supporting measures.

I. Main Objectives

By 2025, driven by the leapfrog development of commercial aerospace, the Plan will focus on key sectors including satellite manufacturing, launch vehicles, ground systems and equipment, and space information applications and services. It will strengthen the integrated development of satellite communications, navigation, and remote sensing, and promote the integrated convergence of air, space, and ground information networks.We will explore new "satellite-rocket integration" models, establish a technology-driven development framework, build a new hub for digital and intelligent manufacturing, pioneer new application demonstration scenarios, lead the integrated development of space information in the Yangtze River Delta region, and provide strong support for the construction of a space power.

In terms of building and strengthening industrial chains, we will establish a comprehensive industrial chain covering rockets, satellites, ground stations, and end-user terminals.

● Develop three flagship products: next-generation medium- and large-lift launch vehicles, low-cost, highly integrated satellites, and smart application terminals.

● Establish mass production capabilities for 50 commercial rockets and 600 commercial satellites annually. Build the “Shanghai Satellite” and “Shanghai Rocket” brands.

In terms of strengthening the foundation, we will enhance multi-level scientific research support spanning technological breakthroughs, platform development, and talent recruitment and cultivation.

● Conduct research and development on key technologies such as liquid oxygen-methane propulsion, vertical takeoff and landing for reusable rockets, and satellite elastic network communications.

● Establish at least five new innovation platforms, including national and municipal-level key laboratories, industrial technology research institutes, applied technology centers, and data sharing centers.

In terms of application and promotion, we will carry out comprehensive demonstration applications across multiple fields, covering the three major areas of governance, economy, and daily life, as well as relevant key industries and typical scenarios.

● Focus on the large-scale application of space technology and data services in key industries.

● Develop 30 solution packages for typical application scenarios.

In terms of industrial layout, establish a spatial configuration that extends from core entities and two flanking clusters to a multi-point, multi-dimensional structure.

● Establish a commercial space industry layout centered on a “core entity with eastern and western wings.”

● Establish 8 specialized parks for collaborative innovation in the space information industry.

In terms of supporting measures, we will improve the industrial ecosystem by providing comprehensive support ranging from special funds and industrial investment funds to supportive policies.

● Establish multi-structured industrial funds and refine relevant industrial support policies.

● Attract and cultivate key enterprises, with the spatial information industry reaching a scale exceeding 200 billion yuan.

II. Key Tasks

Implement 16 key tasks across four major areas.

First, strengthen the foundation and consolidate core capabilities

●1. Enhance integrated capabilities for rocket development and launch. Develop commercial launch vehicles with brand recognition; advance the development of the Long March 6C and the 3.8-meter-diameter rocket and achieve their maiden flights; and promote the integration of R&D, manufacturing, final assembly, and testing.

●2. Enhance smart manufacturing capabilities for commercial satellite mass production. Establish a low-cost, pulsed satellite mass production line. Achieve smart manufacturing capabilities such as parallel testing of multiple satellites and automated status monitoring of complete satellites.

●3. Enhance self-reliance in ground stations and terminal systems. Accelerate the development of supporting infrastructure capabilities, including satellite ground receiving stations, gateway stations, and integrated data processing systems. Strengthen the supply chain for terminal systems, including chips, modules, and antennas.

●4. Enhance capabilities in the design, construction, and operation of commercial satellite constellations. Actively pursue key tasks in the development of satellite internet and integrated spatiotemporal systems, and vigorously support the deployment of commercial satellite constellations, the "Smart Sky Network," and the Very High Frequency Data Exchange System (VDES).

Second, drive innovation and breakthroughs to collaboratively advance core technology research

●5. Tackle key technologies for space transportation systems. Overcome technical bottlenecks such as liquid oxygen-methane propulsion and simple-maintenance reusable systems. Conduct technological research and system development focused on low-cost cargo transportation systems for the space station, crewed lunar rovers, and cost-effective Earth-Moon transportation systems.

●6. Research and development of key technologies for satellite platforms and payloads. Break through technical challenges in high-integration satellite systems, space-based autonomous intelligence, lightweight new materials, and lightweight satellite platforms; develop key payloads such as new phased-array antennas and inter-satellite lasers.

●7. Research and development of key technologies for the industrialization of terminal products. Conduct R&D on key technologies such as RF baseband chips, specialized algorithms, and customized operating systems. Develop terminal chips and modules that meet the performance requirements of 6G air-space-ground integrated systems.

●8. Research and development of key technologies for constellation network architecture and dynamic access. Achieve breakthroughs in the optimized design of hybrid space-ground constellation configurations, the overall architecture design of communication network systems, and integrated base stations based on satellite relay along with their mobile networking technologies.

Third, application-driven development to promote large-scale and innovative demonstration applications

●9. Implementing Demonstration Applications for Digital Transformation. Promote the comprehensive use of spatial information to empower the digital transformation of the economy, daily life, and governance, and support the construction of future-oriented urban digital infrastructure. Based on satellite internet combined with terrestrial mobile networks, accelerate the construction of a space-ground integrated digital urban information network.

●10. Promote large-scale applications in key industries. Provide ubiquitous and precise spatiotemporal information services to advance the large-scale application of BeiDou in key industries. Use aviation internet, maritime shipping, and polar scientific research as pilot projects to promote demonstration applications of satellite internet. Advance the application of satellite remote sensing technology in fields such as natural resources, meteorological and ocean monitoring, and engineering management.

●11. Explore consumer application scenarios. Enhance application efficiency and user experience in areas such as mobile communications, wearable devices, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) coordination, consumer-grade drones, urban shared mobility, and health and elderly care.

●12. Promote direct mobile-to-satellite connectivity. Continue to advance technical trials for direct mobile connectivity, accelerate the deployment of satellite internet operational services, promote the integrated development of “satellite-enabled” mobile phones and direct-connect smart terminals, and gradually expand the user base.

Fourth, foster an environment and continuously cultivate a high-quality industrial ecosystem

●13. Optimize the “One Core, Two Wings” spatial layout. Build a “core hub” for commercial space activities centered on the Shanghai Space City in Minhang; establish an “Eastern Wing” satellite R&D and production cluster in Pudong and Lingang; and create a “Western Wing” industrial park with distinctive brands in Qingpu and Songjiang. Develop specialized industrial parks for collaborative innovation tailored to local conditions.

●14. Promote the development of an industry standards system. Accelerate efforts to enhance the universality and supply capacity of standardized products. Support the construction of public service platforms for application R&D, testing, certification, and licensing.

●15. Develop innovative models for commercial space. Leverage the leading role of central state-owned enterprises, promote the development of the private economy, support and nurture specialized, refined, distinctive, and innovative small and medium-sized enterprises, and establish new platforms for commercial space and commercial rockets.

●16. Promote the collaborative sharing of satellite data. Enhance public service capabilities in satellite data storage, processing, distribution, and application, and promote the establishment of a satellite big data center.

III. Support Measures

Support measures encompass five aspects.

(1) Strengthen Coordination and Planning

● Relying on existing work promotion mechanisms, strengthen top-level design.

● The Municipal Collaborative Innovation Office will work with municipal departments and all districts to enhance coordination and build synergy.

(2) Strengthening Comprehensive Support

● Incorporate commercial space activities into the overall industrial layout.

● Leverage municipal and district-level fiscal funds.

(3) Strengthen Collaborative Innovation

● Promote the implementation of new projects and open up more application scenarios.

● Build an industrial ecosystem in the Yangtze River Delta.

(4) Strengthen Talent Development

● Attract high-caliber talent and entrepreneurial teams from both domestic and international sources to develop in Shanghai.

● Establish the Municipal Expert Committee on the Spatial Information Industry.

(5) Strengthen international cooperation

● Establish an international gateway for commercial space activities.

● Promote the overseas application of spatial information services.