An intelligent production line capable of producing more than 150 small commercial satellites per year, each weighing between 50 and 500kg, has been launched at an industrial park in the central Chinese city of Zhuzhou.

The new production line in Hunan province, owned by Hunan Satellite Technology Private Limited, is expected to boost the country’s commercial satellite industry. The company said it has already started taking orders for satellites and will begin production as soon as the line is operational.

The company’s satellite manufacturing facility includes a research and development centre, a satellite manufacturing plant, a space environment test centre and a space materials test and evaluation centre.

The line was launched during the 3rd International Beidou Satellite Navigation System Applications Summit in the city, which highlighted the growth and prospects of the satellite-related industry.