On November 12, the 15th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition opened in Zhuhai. As a backbone force in China's defense science and technology industry, the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) showcased 43 products at the airshow, presenting its scientific achievements in rockets, satellites, spacecraft, and related equipment from multiple perspectives. The exhibition featured a blend of physical displays, models, dynamic demonstrations, and interactive experiences.

On the opening day, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation held a signing ceremony for major projects. Shanghai Aerospace signed cooperation agreements with the National Satellite Meteorological Center (NSMC), China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC), Aerospace Long-march International Trade Co., Ltd., and Shanghai Gas (Group) Co., Ltd., among others. The agreements cover industries including aerospace, defense, and space technology applications, with a total project value of 15.556 billion yuan.

This year's Shanghai Aerospace Exhibition showcased numerous highlights. Among the weaponry and equipment, the air defense and anti-unmanned systems form a comprehensive defense “iron wall.” For the commercial space market, the exhibition featured the “new-generation rocket” Long March 6C and China's first 3.8-meter diameter carrier rocket, Long March 12. China's first 3.8-meter diameter carrier rocket, the Long March 12, and the world's first geostationary microwave meteorological satellite serving national economic and people's livelihood. In high-end equipment, the exhibition featured Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD) devices specializing in the production of large-scale industrial components with high efficiency, performance, and precision. For the low-altitude economy, it showcased the “super-powerful heart” and “intelligent life-extension equipment” for drones.

Zhuhai Airshow - Defense Equipment

In the defense equipment exhibition area, a series of defense weapons covering medium-range, short-range, and terminal defense systems catch the eye, showcasing the advantages of the integrated air defense and anti-unmanned aerial vehicle system—featuring “land-sea-air coordination,” “tiered countermeasures,” and “rotational deployment.” The air defense “vanguard” HQ-16FE, the field “divine machine battalion” LY-70, the terminal ‘guardian’ FB-10A, and the anti-UAV “Eagle Eye” integrated defense system, among others, These multiple weapon systems collectively form a versatile air defense solution. They can either establish an integrated joint defense network through interconnected systems, deploying an impenetrable “fire network” against invading forces, or disintegrate into distributed units for decentralized operations—creating confusion for the enemy and striking invisibly. This makes them the “reliable safeguard” for key area/point defense, urban air defense, and escort defense.

Zhuhai Airshow - Launch Vehicles

At the launch vehicle exhibition area, two new rocket models made their impressive debut, accelerating the development of China's new force for the Long March rockets to enter the commercial launch market. According to reports, the Long March 6C carrier rocket successfully completed its maiden flight in May this year. As a “new-generation rocket,” it features three key characteristics: “simplified structure”—a single-core, two-stage configuration; “heavy payload”—a payload capacity of approximately 2.4 tons to a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit; and “large adaptability”—capable of accommodating satellite fairings up to 4.2 meters in diameter. The Long March 12 is China's first 3.8-meter diameter single-core liquid-fueled carrier rocket. It employs a two-stage configuration: the first stage utilizes four LOX/kerosene engines with 1,250 kN thrust each, while the second stage employs two LOX/kerosene engines with 180 kN thrust each. It delivers a minimum payload capacity of 12 tons to low Earth orbit and 6 tons to a 700-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit. The standard fairing diameters are 5.2 meters and 4.2 meters, with multiple sizes available for mission-specific adaptation. Its pioneering 3.8-meter body diameter design achieves optimal engine-to-diameter scaling while enabling rail transport to any national launch site, truly “reaching every corner without fear of mountains or seas.” The Long March 12 carrier rocket is scheduled for its maiden flight at China's first commercial launch site in Wenchang, Hainan Province, in the near future.

The newly unveiled stacked separation mechanism integrates the functions of traditional multi-satellite adapters and separation devices. By stacking satellites layer by layer like building blocks, it maximizes utilization of the payload fairing's internal space. Through optimized linkage mechanisms and flywheel deceleration device design, it enables simultaneous separation of multiple satellites while eliminating collision risks. Capable of supporting launches carrying no fewer than twenty satellites per rocket, with individual satellites weighing at least 500kg, this system delivers high efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and reliability.

Zhuhai Airshow - Applied Satellites

At the satellite applications exhibition, the world's first geostationary microwave meteorological satellite made its debut. Designed to fill gaps in global meteorological satellite observation, this satellite will overcome a series of technical challenges including high-precision microwave detection in geostationary orbit, development of large-aperture high-precision fixed-surface antennas for space-based applications, highly stable continuous maneuvering, high-precision microwave navigation and calibration. It will enable high-frequency real-time monitoring of severe weather events like typhoons and basin-wide precipitation, filling a global gap in high-frequency atmospheric profile detection over cloud-rain zones. This will significantly enhance forecasting and early warning capabilities, including typhoon track and intensity predictions, marking a milestone in China's and the world's meteorological satellite development. The satellite is scheduled for launch around 2026.

Additionally, Shanghai Aerospace showcased its satellite maneuvering ground station hardware, which provides integrated tracking, telemetry, and command services for the rapidly growing commercial satellite sector.

Zhuhai Airshow - Aerospace Technology Application Industry

In the aerospace technology applications exhibition area, the Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD) equipment jointly developed with the Institute for the Development and Quality, Macau, is live-printing components on-site. The advantage of Additive Friction Stir Deposition (AFSD) lies in its ability to avoid material melting, forming a forged microstructure. Product performance can surpass that of castings and weldments, approaching or exceeding the level of forgings. Featuring a bridge-type moving gantry structure and an integrated bed, this equipment boasts a compact footprint, high integration, a multi-mode control system, and automated loading/unloading capabilities. It effectively meets market demands for high-efficiency, high-performance, and high-precision production of industrial-grade large-scale components.

Additionally showcased were energy products targeting the low-altitude economy market, including fuel cells for drones and emergency power supplies for drones. These are respectively dubbed the “Superb Heart” and “Intelligent Range Extension Equipment” for drones.

This year's airshow focused on the commercial aerospace market, where Shanghai Aerospace showcased a range of single-unit products including the “Eyes of the Carrier” miniaturized ten-axis fiber optic inertial measurement unit, the ‘Popeye’ high-power electric servo system for launch vehicles, the “Pillar of Stability” control torque gyro for spacecraft, high-reliability ultra-compact star trackers that “make satellite eyes brighter,” magnetic fluid angular velocity sensors dubbed “cosmic-grade anti-shake tools,” and the “Electric Little Strong” flexible ion propulsion system.

Since 1996, Shanghai Aerospace has grown alongside the Airshow. Over the past 28 years, it has evolved from showcasing a single model to presenting a diverse array of exhibits across multiple fields. Shanghai Aerospace's exhibits have undergone successive upgrades, its technological capabilities have continuously strengthened, and the Airshow has steadily increased in richness, interactivity, and influence. This has provided defense technology enterprises with an invaluable showcase platform.