China's first offshore rocket launch took place in the waters off Haiyang, Shandong, in June of 2019, marking the beginning of the province's soaring commercial aerospace industry.

Through six years' endeavor, Shandong has formed a favorable development environment for offshore launches, satellite and rocket manufacturing, and application. To date, the province has secured 21 offshore launch missions sending 133 satellites into the universe, taking the lead in maritime launch capabilities and frequency in China.

Shandong has formed a commercial aerospace cluster, with Yantai focusing on sea launches and rocket manufacturing, Jinan on satellite R&D and ground equipment, Qingdao on telemetry and ocean remote sensing, and other cities on related industries. The province has solidified its commercial aerospace industry chain, with three solid and two liquid rocket assembly projects, and a capacity of 50 solid rockets per year.

In the satellite sector, seven large constellations are under construction, with Geely constellation achieving global coverage. In terms of supporting industries, Qingdao ZITN Technology's sensors have over 80 percent market share in commercial rockets.

Haiyang Oriental Aerospace Port has the only sea launch ship in China, capable of meeting 70 percent satellite orbiting needs. The province also has the most test stands and positions nationwide, and has built high-level innovation platforms to strengthen R&D and talent cultivation.

The scene of Smart Dragon-3 successfully launched offshore in Rizhao, Shandong, on Sept 25. [Photo/IC]

During the 15th Five-Year-Plan period (2026-30), Shandong will leverage the unique advantage of sea-based launches, focus on the development of rockets, satellites, and aerospace accessories, and develop various fields such as social services, industrial manufacturing, consumer markets, and cultural tourism, aiming to accelerate high-quality development and build a strong aerospace province.