China Space Updates is focused on providing detailed and timely reports on China’s space activities. The publication covers a wide range of topics, from technical developments like reusable rockets and satellite constellations to broader policy and geopolitical issues.
While China Space Updates is an extensive source of information for professionals, enthusiasts, and researchers interested in China's space industry, it is recommended to use the publication as a jumping-off point for further research on the industry.
Why should I subscribe to China Space Updates?
Most publications that follow China’s aerospace sector exist to inform Western and Global North policymakers, usually with a spin to fearmonger about China’s rise. These publications opt to skip stories and launches that benefit will benefit China’s development and goal of national rejuvenation.
With China Space Updates I hope to share a positive view on China’s aerospace industry rarely seen in the West. Subscribing and supporting China Space Updates allows me to continue this effort.
Why should I support China Space Updates?
Currently China Space Updates is written entirely by one person, Jack C. I'm currently trying to put myself through university and learn Chinese to improve my skill level with the language, to help cover China’s space activities. Neither of these are simple feats and consumes a large chunk of my time, so supporting me gives me more flexibility to write about space and support my studies!
Article tags
China Space Updates has various tags you can browse to find specific articles, they are:
Hardware Development: This tag is for articles relating to hardware development of various launch vehicles and spacecraft.
Launch Missions: This tag is for articles relating to launches that used a Chinese launch vehicle from one of the nation’s launch sites.
Lunar Exploration: This tag is for articles relating to China’s lunar exploration efforts, both crewed and uncrewed.
Space Politics & Business: This tag is for articles relating to space policy from the Central or municipal governments as well as what China’s various space businesses are doing.
Taikonauts: This tag is for articles relating to China’s human space travelers.
Historical, Research, & Op-ed: This tag is for content that delves into events or topics from previous years, required extensive research to provide a full picture, or well-informed opinions. It serves as a catch-all category for content that doesn't fit neatly elsewhere.
Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center: This tag is for articles about activities or launches from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
Xichang Satellite Launch Center: This tag is for articles about activities or launches from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center.
Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center: This tag is for articles about activities or launches from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center.
Wenchang Space Launch Site & Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site: This tag is for articles about activities or launches from the Wenchang Space Launch Site or Wenchang Commercial Space Launch Site.
Sea Launch: This tag is for articles about launches from China’s various sea launch platforms.
Paid: This tag is for paywalled content. The vast majority of content won’t be paywalled.
Republication of articles
China Space Updates is open to having articles republished in other publications as long as you do not majorly alter what was written, provide a link to the original article, and contact Jack C ahead of doing so. They can be contacted via a form with this link: https://linktr.ee/phazzee
When the article is republished please contact Jack C again. Upon the republication they will also add a link to it from on their portfolio page.
FAQ
These are questions I've previously answered, but they may be handy to have in one spot. If you have one you’d like me to add submit it here.
Why do you follow/cover China’s space sector?
The world is becoming increasingly multipolar, in terms of economic and political global power. As such the greater emergence of China’s space sector on the international stage is inevitable. Through following the sector, I hope I can provide a better understanding to a broad range of people who would not otherwise dedicate a large amount of time to do so.
I can’t find a specific launch or story here, why?
I write for Cosmic Nxws, as well as for myself here. In an effort to build up Cosmic Nxws I post more “clickable” articles there, along with major events like Chang’e 6 or the Tianlong-3 “static” fire. Checking the China tag on Cosmic Nxws will have it sorted by newest first.
Doesn’t running China Space Updates conflict with Cosmic Nxws?
It does, but not majorly. What I write here ultimately assists in my work for Cosmic Nxws. On here I can write about every launch without ‘bombarding’ readers of Cosmic Nxws with niche details that mainly followers of China’s aerospace industry would want to know. I can also write about stories most folks would not be interested in or read.
What way do you lean politically?
I lean fairly left. I’ve read dozens of books from left-leaning politicians and political theorists, these books have helped shape my personal political beliefs.
Can you understand Chinese?
Yes, but I am still learning. Currently, I can’t speak much of the language, but I am fairly confident in my ability to read and write it.
是的，但我仍在学习。目前，我还不能说太多的语言，但我对自己的读写能力相当有信心。
How do you source your information?
For launches, the launch vehicle manufactures WeChat/Weixin blogs as well as government-run news outlets and agencies will have the most timely information. Posts from those near the launch site on the Chinese internet can sometimes share images faster however.
For in-space operations and events sources will vary. Activities onboard the Tiangong Space Station will first be shared by the China Manned Space Agency, and government-run news outlets and agencies. As for satellite movements, I will corroborate from ground observers, foreign news, and foreign governments.
Where available or necessary, I will use ‘off-record’ sources from various programs, companies, agencies, and the industry (from both the U.S. and China). These individuals will often wish to remain anonymous, with myself disposing of possible identifiable information for the source to ensure they do.
Why do you upload the embedded videos to your YouTube account?
Archival. Nothing online will last forever if it’s just kept in one place. By uploading the embedded videos to my account I can ensure they stay online into the future.
