Chinese Satellite Program

Abstract

The Chinese government considers the space industry as an important part of the nation’s overall development strategy. After generations of hard work, China’s space industry has created a unique approach of development that conforms to its national conditions, made brilliant achievements symbolized by the successful implementation of several major projects, and obtained a lot of innovative results in space science. Centering on China’s satellite programs, this chapter briefly introduces the development history, then outlines specific satellite programs: Earth observation, communications and broadcasting, navigation and positioning, and scientific and technological test satellites. Finally, it addresses the satellite program’s future perspectives and China’s international exchanges and cooperation.