China’s state agency to launch its 1st commercial-use rocket this month

A Chinese government space agency is expected to launch its first rocket meant for commercial use sometime this month, putting pressure on other domestic rocket firms to develop their own launch vehicles ahead of an expected commercial satellite boom, Reuters said.

A unit of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), the nation’s main space contractor, is working on the final assembly of its Smart Dragon-1 rocket. The maiden flight is expected in August, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) said on Thursday.

China envisions constellations of commercial satellites that can offer services ranging from high-speed internet for aircraft to tracking coal shipments.

Last week, Beijing-based iSpace became the first private firm to deliver a satellite into orbit on its rocket. Since late last year, two other startups have attempted, but failed.