Chinese commercial satellite manufacturer MinoSpace has been awarded a major contract to construct a remote sensing satellite constellation for Sichuan Province, marking a significant milestone in the growing involvement of private firms in China’s space infrastructure development.
According to a May 18 announcement on the National Public Resources Trading Platform (Sichuan Province), Beijing-based MinoSpace—officially known as Beijing Weina Star Technology Co., Ltd.—will undertake the construction of a “space satellite constellation” under a contract valued at 804 million yuan (approximately $111 million). The project has received approval from the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), China’s highest economic planning authority, signaling national-level backing and strategic alignment with broader goals in satellite internet and Earth observation.
The constellation will comprise 10 satellites, including six synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites and four optical imaging satellites. MinoSpace will oversee the end-to-end process, including satellite development, launch coordination, in-orbit deployment, and operational commissioning—an integrated role historically reserved for major state-owned entities like the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC), and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
This project specifically targets the Meishan area of Sichuan Province and is being implemented through the province’s public resource trading system, highlighting the growing role of regional governments in space-related initiatives.
Founded in 2017, MinoSpace has positioned itself as a key player in China’s commercial aerospace sector, focusing on satellite design, manufacturing, satellite subsystems, and ground support infrastructure. In June 2024, the company raised 1 billion yuan ($137 million) in a Series C funding round to support major national and commercial space projects, including satellite internet and remote sensing missions.
The recent contract win was quickly followed by the successful launch of two MinoSpace satellites—Taijing-3 (04) and Taijing-4 (02A)—on May 21. The launch utilized a Kinetica-1 (Lijian-1) solid rocket, with the satellites carrying optical and SAR payloads, respectively.
The Sichuan satellite constellation project reflects a broader trend of increased commercial involvement in China’s national space efforts. Other recent developments include the China Manned Space Agency (CMSEO) contracting private firms for low-cost cargo spacecraft to support the Tiangong space station and the partial opening of lunar mission bids to commercial players.
While state-owned institutions continue to lead high-profile missions, such as the lunar Chang’e series developed by the China Academy of Space Technology, the inclusion of private companies in open bidding processes and mission participation underscores a shift toward a more diverse and competitive space industry in China.
MinoSpace’s involvement in the Sichuan constellation could pave the way for more provincial and national collaborations with commercial aerospace firms, as China looks to expand its space capabilities with the support of both public and private sectors.
