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China sent a Gravity-1 carrier rocket into space from waters off the coast of Haiyang
China sent a Gravity-1 carrier rocket into space from waters off the coast of Haiyang
By Li Rui, People’s Daily
Recently, China sent a Gravity-1 carrier rocket into space from waters off the coast of Haiyang, east China’s Shandong province, placing three satellites into their designated orbits. This launch exemplifies the growing momentum of China’s emerging commercial space sector, which is contributing significantly to the country’s space exploration capabilities.
The global competition in commercial spaceflight is intensifying. According to projections, the scale of China’s commercial space market is expected to exceed 2.5 trillion yuan ($351.76 billion) this year. Through a strategic collaboration between the government and private enterprises, China is achieving a dynamic synergy that is accelerating technological advancements, reducing costs, and expanding the range of applications within its space industry. As a result, China’s space industry is gaining more visibility and vibrancy on the global stage.
China’s development of “space infrastructure” is advancing steadily, especially as the deployment of low-orbit satellite internet networks enters a phase of large-scale constellation expansion. However, the country faces a prominent challenge: the demand for satellite launches now exceeds the available capacity of traditional rockets. Relying solely on traditional rockets is far from sufficient to meet these growing needs.
In this context, the development of commercial space initiatives is essential to providing the necessary launch capacity for widespread space-based network deployment. This year, a new generation of commercial rockets, including the Zhuque-3, Tianlong-3, and Gravity-2, are advancing according to schedule with design, testing, and launch activities. These new launch vehicles will effectively alleviate the strain on satellite launch resources and bolster the development of China’s national satellite internet infrastructure.
Commercial spaceflight not only increases the frequency of launch opportunities but also opens up a broader range of technological possibilities. Unlike state-run space enterprises, private commercial companies are more agile and adaptable.
For example, the methalox engine independently developed by Chinese commercial rocket firm LandSpace has drawn global attention for its cost-effectiveness, clean propulsion, and reusability. Similarly, Chinese aerospace company Galactic Energy has significantly reduced rocket engine manufacturing costs through 3D printing.
Fueled by market-driven mechanisms and following a model of “small steps, rapid iterations,” commercial space enterprises have gained the favor of numerous research institutions. These companies serve as a strong complement to state-run space organizations, further advancing China’s space exploration capabilities.
As a dynamic sector driving the future of technological innovation, commercial spaceflight holds vast market potential. More than 10 provinces across China have introduced specific policies to support the development of the commercial space sector, fostering a wave of specialized and innovative companies focused on rocket development and satellite manufacturing. These initiatives have led to the creation of industrial clusters and a rapidly expanding “space economy” ecosystem.
For instance, Beijing is developing a regional industrial layout with rocket production in the south and satellite manufacturing in the north, while Shanghai aims to scale its space industry to hundreds of billions of yuan. Additionally, the aerospace industrial park Wuxi, east China’s Jiangsu province, has brought together more than 120 enterprises above the designated size, fueling growth and innovation.
As the commercial space sector shifts from isolated efforts to more integrated, clustered development, an autonomous, resilient, and competitive industrial ecosystem is taking shape, becoming a significant driver of economic growth and technological advancement in space.
Today, commercial spaceflight not only serves national missions but is also expanding its innovation to meet everyday needs. Applications such as satellite remote sensing allow farmers to manage irrigation systems via a mobile phone, while satellite internet provides broadband access to remote areas, including mountains and oceans. Moreover, satellite-enabled intelligent transportation systems are optimizing traffic signal timing to reduce congestion.
These innovations highlight how space technology, once perceived as distant and exclusive, is now becoming an integral part of everyday life, enhancing communications, supporting agriculture, improving mobility, and providing tangible benefits to the public.
Commercial spaceflight represents a vast frontier of opportunity. It is not only a scientific domain for exploring the unknown but also a burgeoning economic sector with boundless potential for the future.
China sent a Gravity-1 carrier rocket into space from waters off the coast of Haiyang
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
By: Michael Mike
A human rights organisation, Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd./Gte. (SOJA), has condemned the reported abduction of teachers and students in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident and the alleged killing of a teacher, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, as “a case too many.”
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group expressed deep concern over reports that armed attackers abducted teachers and students from schools within the council area around May 15, 2026, while Mr. Oyedokun, a Mathematics teacher at Community High School, Ahoro-Esiele, was reportedly killed during the incident.
The organisation said several victims were still believed to be in captivity awaiting rescue.
SOJA, led by its Founder and Executive Director, Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, commiserated with the affected families and communities, warning that repeated attacks on schools and civilians across parts of the country were becoming alarming.
According to the advocacy group, the incident, if confirmed, raises serious constitutional and human rights concerns under both Nigerian law and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.
Citing Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, SOJA stressed that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government,” while Sections 33, 34 and 35 guarantee the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty.
The group also referenced Nigeria’s obligations under several international and regional legal frameworks, including the United Nations-backed International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR), and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC).
SOJA argued that the obligations imposed by these instruments go beyond symbolic commitments, requiring authorities to take practical and preventive steps to protect lives, especially those of vulnerable groups such as school children and teachers.
“The implication of these obligations in the present circumstances is that government responsibility extends beyond merely reacting after tragic events occur,” the statement said.
The organisation acknowledged reports that security agencies had intensified rescue operations and investigations, but maintained that recurring attacks on schools demanded more decisive and proactive measures.
“This is a case too many,” the statement added.
SOJA therefore called for the immediate intensification of lawful rescue efforts for those still in captivity, a thorough investigation into the incident, prosecution of perpetrators, strengthened security around schools and vulnerable communities, and adequate support for affected victims and families.
The group further urged the government to undertake a comprehensive review of strategies aimed at preventing future attacks on educational institutions.
“Teachers should not become targets. Schools should not become zones of fear. Children should not bear the burden of insecurity,” the organisation stated.
SOJA Condemns Alleged Abduction of Teachers, Students in Oyo, Demands Urgent Rescue Efforts
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a suspected stolen motorcycle following a pursuit of suspected motorcycle snatchers in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on May 21 along the Bachi-Banghai road after troops received reports on the activities of suspected motorcycle snatchers in the area.
The sources said the troops immediately mobilised and pursued the suspects, who abandoned the motorcycle and fled upon sighting the security personnel.
According to the sources, the recovered motorcycle has been secured, while efforts were ongoing to identify the rightful owner and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The military said the operation formed part of sustained efforts to combat criminal activities and enhance security across Plateau.
Troops recover suspected stolen motorcycle in Plateau
Troops launch rescue operation after abduction in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace have launched a rescue operation following the abduction of a resident in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 11:00 p.m. on May 21 when gunmen reportedly abducted Mr Eze Emeka from his residence at Agingi village.
The sources said troops swiftly responded to the distress report and commenced rescue operations in collaboration with other security agencies.
According to the sources, efforts were ongoing to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
The military assured residents that security forces were intensifying operations to curb criminal activities in the area.
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