China pricing practices and other concerns loom over global smallsat launch sector

摘要

Uncertainty is permeating the increasingly active smallsat launch market, amid concerns about the pricing practices of China-based providers. Other worries are growing in the sector, including what some see as the speculative nature of smallsat launch as well as the potential for increased competition from traditional heavy launch providers. A report, authoured in late May by the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and the US Defense Innovation Unit, ripped China for "predatory" pricing practices in commercial space, including in smallsat launch. The country is a "particular threat" to open markets, as well as national security and other areas, the report alleged.