Full Breakdown
GalaxySpace Delivers First Turnkey Satellite Package to Thailand, Marking China’s Commercial Space Export Milestone
8/28/2026, 11:41:44 AM
Core Event
On Tuesday, a Long March-6C carrier rocket lifted off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, placing seven satellites into orbit, including the Lingzhi-09 CubeSat built for Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). This marks the first time a Chinese commercial space firm has supplied a Southeast Asian customer with a complete, end-to-end satellite solution—design, launch, ground-system deployment and on-orbit training for Thai university personnel.
Background & Context
China’s commercial space sector is shifting from hardware sales to “full-chain” services that bundle satellite delivery, operations and talent development, aligning with Beijing’s broader strategy to expand its space footprint abroad and compete with firms like SpaceX. The Lingzhi-09 export also fits the Belt and Road Initiative’s goal of deepening technological cooperation with partner nations.
Data & Statistics
- Launch vehicle: Long March-6C.
- Total satellites: seven; three built by GalaxySpace, including Lingzhi-09.
- Purpose: remote-sensing for land management, agriculture and ecological monitoring, plus training Thai students in satellite design, telemetry, tracking and control.
- GalaxySpace status: China’s first commercial-space unicorn, valued at US $1 billion or more.
Official Statements & Responses
GalaxySpace co-founder Liu Chang said the delivery shows the company’s “end-to-end overseas delivery capabilities” and that it will focus on expanding markets in BRI partner countries. Zhang Peng, general manager of GalaxySpace’s solution department, highlighted the project’s ground-system integration and talent training.
GISTDA deputy executive director Phee Choosri noted the partnership’s role in advancing Thailand’s national space capability, adding that international cooperation brings “unique knowledge, experience and perspective.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “This cooperation has demonstrated GalaxySpace's end-to-end overseas delivery capabilities and represents an international application of our engineering and systems capabilities. Building on this achievement, we will focus on expanding markets in BRI partner countries, steadily broaden our overseas industrial layout, and promote space technology globally,” — Liu Chang.
- “Lingzhi-09 Thai CubeSat is the first overseas satellite that GalaxySpace is responsible for. GalaxySpace not only offers satellite delivery, but also provides comprehensive solutions on ground system and talent training. This cooperation has testified the GalaxySpace's full-chain overseas delivery service, demonstrating a complete export of GalaxySpace system's engineering expertise,” — Zhang Peng.
- “We believe that the international cooperation plays a vital role in advancing space technology and innovation. We value partnership with organizations and experts around the world. As such, collaboration brings unique knowledge, experience and perspective that contribute to the growth of our national space capability,” — Phee Choosri.
Why It Matters / Impact
The Lingzhi-09 export shows Chinese private firms positioning themselves as one-stop providers for emerging space markets. By bundling hardware, launch, ground-segment support and capacity-building, GalaxySpace offers a model attractive to developing nations seeking rapid access to space-based data without extensive domestic infrastructure. The training component aims to shift Thailand from “using satellites” to “understanding satellites,” fostering a domestic ecosystem of space engineers and researchers.
What’s Next
GalaxySpace indicates further turnkey missions could follow, extending China’s commercial space influence beyond Southeast Asia.
