GalaxySpace completes first turnkey satellite export to Southeast Asia
On Tuesday, GalaxySpace, based in Beijing, successfully launched the Lingzhi-09 Thailand CubeSat, marking China's inaugural turnkey satellite export to Southeast Asia. The CubeSat, developed for Thailand's Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), will be utilized for remote-sensing data collection and to assist in training Thai university students. This event represents the first instance of a Chinese commercial space firm providing a comprehensive satellite solution to a customer in Southeast Asia. Valued at over US$1 billion, GalaxySpace delivered an all-inclusive package comprising the spacecraft, ground system, and training for personnel. Yang Kuan from the Beijing Institute of Technology noted the industry's shift towards exporting services and ecosystems in light of competition from SpaceX's Starlink.
Key facts
- GalaxySpace launched the Lingzhi-09 Thailand CubeSat on a Long March-6C rocket from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre on Tuesday.
- The CubeSat was developed for Thailand's Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA).
- It will collect remote-sensing data for land, agriculture, and ecological applications, and support training for Thai university students.
- This is the first turnkey satellite export to Southeast Asia by a Chinese commercial space company.
- GalaxySpace is China's first commercial space unicorn, valued at US$1 billion or more.
- The integrated package includes the spacecraft, ground system, and personnel training.
- Thai personnel were trained in China, and GalaxySpace teams later helped build and test the ground system in Thailand.
- Yang Kuan from Beijing Institute of Technology commented on the shift from exporting products to exporting services and ecosystems.
Entities
Institutions
- GalaxySpace
- Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA)
- Beijing Institute of Technology
- Institute of Aerospace Policy and Law
- Financial News
- SpaceX
Locations
- Beijing
- China
- Thailand
- Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre
- Shanxi province