Critical Analysis of the Chinese Private Space Sector: The Past, Present and Future

This article presents a comprehensive review of China’s emerging private space industry, including an analysis of government policies, investments and international relations. China’s private space industry has grown significantly since 1988, with over 60 startups emerging by 2022, thanks to the strong support from the government and military civil fusion. The industry’s focus on creating capabilities, skilled workforces, less reliance on foreign players, a strong funding base, and a Chinese space culture positions it to support China’s space ambitions and play a significant role in the global commercial space market. However, pursuing these goals has its own challenges. Therefore, the author provides a critical analysis of how government policies have enabled the growth of China’s private industry. The article also offers a perspective on India’s thriving space industry, encouraging it to explore commercial possibilities and implement domestic space reforms with long-term strategic goals in mind, especially with the emergence of the Indian Space Policy (2023).