China - February 20, 2025 China's commercial space industry aiming for the stars (Voice_over) One of the fastest-growing frontiers in commercial space is satellite internet - deploying vast constellations of low earth orbit satellites to create a global network. Chief Engineer Zhou Bin is leading the research. As a deputy of the country's top legislative body, he's pushing for greater policy support, having seen first-hand its impact. (Sound_bite) Zhou Bin, National People's Congress Deputy; Chief Engineer of CAS, Aerospace Information Research Institute: "While ground networks like 4G and 5G are highly developed, they still leave many areas uncovered - mountains, deserts, oceans, even low-altitude airspace, from a few hundred meters to 3,000 meters above ground." (Voice_over) Satellite internet is crucial for today's digital economy. It powers offshore farms, keeps autonomous vehicles on course, and ensure communication in remote areas. China's mega-constellations could see tens of thousands of satellites launched in the coming years. But production lags behind demand, and costs remain high. Zhou Bin's team is working to close that gap. (Sound_bite) Zhou Bin, National People's Congress Deputy; Chief Engineer of CAS, Aerospace Information Research Institute: "Here's our terahertz receiver chip, built using CMOS technology for low-cost mass production. Next to it is our transmitter. Terahertz waves sit between microwaves and infrared. They offer high frequency, wide bandwidth, and are safer for humans, making them valuable for biomedical applications as well. We've completed tape-out testing. The next step is full-scale production." (Voice_over) Zhou Bin's team moved from research to near-production in just one year - progress fueled by strong funding and a deep talent pool. China is leveraging its strong manufacturing base and open business environment along the southern coast, with Guangdong aiming to build a 300-billion-yuan commercial space sector by 2026, advancing key technologies like reusable heavy-lift rockets. (Sound_bite) Ai Xuefeng, National People's Congress Deputy; Director of Guangdong Development and Reform Commission: "We'll increase financial, talent and technological support to nurture key sectors like satellite and spacecraft manufacturing. This year, our goal is to introduce or cultivate 6-8 major enterprises and 3-5 industry parks, creating a full supply chain from rocket manufacturing to satellite operations." (Voice_over) Zhou Bin is looking beyond China - targeting markets along the Maritime Silk Road, from Southeast Asia to the Middle East and North Africa. With cutting-edge tech, strategic investment, and a gateway to global markets through Hong Kong and Macao, the Greater Bay Area is reaching for the stars. [Restriction: No access Chinese mainland]