China Opens Rocket Launches to International Satellites

Source: Hacker News

Image: Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology / China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

International Payloads Delivered by China

So far this year, a handful of international payloads have been delivered to orbit by Chinese launch vehicles. The services are procured through China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), a state‑owned enterprise that effectively monopolises China‑based launch solutions for foreign clients.

• Example: an Algerian remote‑sensing spacecraft【https://www.china-in-space.com/p/second-algerian-remote-sensing-spacecraft】
• Example: a Pakistani remote‑sensing satellite【https://www.china-in-space.com/p/new-pakistani-remote-sensing-satellite】

Updated Rideshare Launch Opportunities (Aug 2026 – 2027)

CGWIC has recently refreshed its rideshare launch‑opportunity list, covering the period August 2026 to the end of 2027.

• 29 opportunities for satellites weighing 50 – 17 900 kg into sun‑synchronous or low‑Earth orbit.
• 22 of these have specific launch months or quarters assigned.
• 7 opportunities repeat 3–6 times, yielding a total of 54 launch missions available to foreign (and domestic) satellites.

Clients must coordinate with CGWIC to select the most suitable slot.

Launch Vehicles Involved

CGWIC has not disclosed the exact launch vehicles for each mission, but several providers are expected to participate:

• LandSpace – indicated involvement for 2026‑2027 payloads compatible with Zhuque‑2E【https://www.china-in-space.com/p/landspace-nails-second-zhuque-2e?utm_source=publication-search】 and Zhuque‑3【https://www.china-in-space.com/p/landspace-successfully-debuts-zhuque】.
• Galactic Energy – some orbits and fairing sizes match the capabilities of Ceres‑1【https://www.china-in-space.com/p/commercial-sea-launch-lofts-four】.
• The remaining opportunities can be serviced by members of the Long March vehicle family.

Comparison with Previous Years

The 2026‑2027 slate represents a significant increase over earlier offerings.

Cumulative Launch Record (as of April 2026)

• 106 satellites delivered for international customers【https://www.cgwic.com/Launchservice/Customer.html】¹
• 326 satellites delivered for domestic clients
• These were launched on 107 procured flights, of which 52 were rideshares, since CGWIC’s founding in the late 1980s.

Implications for China’s Launch Cadence

• In 2024, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) projected 100 launches【https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202402/26/content_WS65dc9063c6d0868f4e8e45b7.html】, but only 68 occurred【https://www.china-in-space.com/i/153541371/chinas-launches-in-2024】.
• In 2025, 93 launches were recorded【https://www.china-in-space.com/i/182939189/chinas-launches-in-2025】.
• Industry analysts now estimate up to 140 launches could take place in 2026【https://spacenews.com/china-targets-140-launches-in-2026-amid-commercial-space-surge/】.

With CGWIC’s 54 rideshare slots—potentially backed by launch providers—the sector appears poised to boost China’s annual launch count substantially.

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¹ See CGWIC’s customer list for details.