Regional hub sets sights on world-class innovation

Inside a satellite assembly plant in the Xiong'an New Area in Hebei province, robotic arms perform with precise, identical movements along a production line. One arm grips a satellite component, lifts it into position, and snaps it onto a panel inching down the line.

This is where Xiong'an No 1, the first satellite made in the new area, rolled off the production line in October 2025, marking a milestone not just in manufacturing, but in the region's capacity for intelligent aerospace innovation.

For Xiong'an, it represented a leap from the concept stage to a tangible high-tech product, a proof that the city is quickly establishing itself as a hub for cutting-edge aerospace development.

Founded in January 2025, Land-Space HongQing (Xiong'an) Space Technology Co also achieved a rare industrial feat in China: registration, construction, production and satellite rollout, all done in the same year. "The speed of this project is exceptionally fast by national standards," said Shi Yaozhong, the company's general manager.

The company's structure also exemplifies a practical collaboration model between Beijing and Xiong'an.

"Our headquarters is in Beijing, and Xiong'an is a subsidiary," Shi explained. "Beijing handles management and R&D, while Xiong'an focuses on what we call 'pilot production'."

Pilot production happens after a product is developed, but before full-scale manufacturing. This stage is when engineers refine the production process and test technologies in real-world conditions.

Shi said the company chose Xiong'an as a base mainly because the area is prioritizing the development of the satellite internet industry. Being based there allows closer collaboration with partners across the supply chain and a better understanding of customer needs.

"Those needs can be reflected immediately during the pilot-production stage, helping us continuously improve the product," he said.