BEIJING has launched a “rocket street” project, aiming to establish a national-level scientific research and production hub to support China’s commercial space development. The “Beijing Rocket Street” project will be located in Beijing E-town, an economic and technological development area in the southeast of the capital, with a total floor space of 140,000 square meters. A common technological platform, a high-end manufacturing center and an innovation research and development center are some of the major facilities. It also plans to build an interactive exhibition hall for science and technology that will offer visitors immersive virtual reality experiences. Beijing E-town hosts a cluster of over 70 aerospace companies including 75% of China’s private rocket makers, covering various fields such as launch vehicles, satellite development, satellite applications, ground equipment, and technology applications. The country’s private commercial rocket enterprises, all headquartered in Beijing, carried out 13 space launches last year. Since this year’s Government Work Report highlighted the inclusion of the commercial space industry as a significant driver for new growth, many regions such as Shanghai, and the provinces of Hunan and Sichuan have also released development plans to boost the industry. China’s commercial space market has experienced rapid growth since 2015, with an average annual increase of over 20% since 2017. This year, the country’s commercial space market is expected to be worth 2.34 trillion yuan (US$328 billion). (Xinhua) | 