China’s Jiangsu Province is building a strong industrial ecosystem to accelerate the growth of its commercial space sector, drawing on its established strengths in advanced manufacturing.

Wuxi and surrounding areas have formed a “one-hour industrial circle” spanning high-end equipment, new materials and precision machining. About 70 to 80 percent of rocket components can now be sourced within 100 kilometres, helping companies shorten development cycles and speed up production.

In August, Deep Blue Aerospace completed a 200-second static-fire test of its “Thunder RS” liquid oxygen-kerosene engine in Wuxi. The city’s network of nearby suppliers allows the company to rapidly analyse test data, modify designs, produce parts and conduct follow-up tests.

Local manufacturers are also moving into aerospace supply chains, with 3D-printed structural components for engines and rocket bodies now being produced in batches.

Government-led matchmaking between major commercial space firms and local suppliers is further strengthening these links, while universities and research institutes support technological development and train engineering talent.