China issues its first standards for commercial space industry

China

China issues its first standards for commercial space industry

2026-04-25 13:37 Last Updated At：14:37

China released its first set of standards for the commercial space industry on Friday, aiming to leverage standardization's guiding role in the development of the space industry and promote high-quality development of commercial space activities.

The new standard system was issued by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and the State Administration for Market Regulation in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, at the launch ceremony of the country's 11th Space Day that fell on Friday. The system focuses on carrier rockets, satellites, launch sites, application services and industry governance.

The system comprises six categories: industry governance, R&D and manufacturing, launch and TT&C (Telemetry, Tracking and Command), space application services, basic and common items, and facilities and equipment. It plans for over 1,000 standard items, covering international and national standards at various levels.

Hu Yihuai, director general of the CNSA Commercial Space Department, said the system aims to ensure the industry grows in a well-regulated and sustainable manner.

"There are now a large number of private companies eager to enter the commercial space sector. By establishing a full-chain standard system, we aim to provide these enterprises with clear guidelines to follow. This will enable our commercial space industry to grow rapidly in safe and rule-based development," she said.

The CNSA said that it will continue to optimize the top-level design of the commercial space standard system, accelerate the effective supply of commercial space standards, develop a commercial space standard service platform, and support the high-quality development of commercial space activities.

Since 2016, April 24 has been celebrated as the Space Day of China, marking the launch of its first satellite Dongfanghong-1 into space on April 24, 1970.

Iran's FM says signing of MoU with US possible within few days

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Friday night that the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States to end the war could take place within the next few days.

In an interview with state-run IRIB TV, Araghchi said that upon finalized, the MoU will be signed digitally by both sides in their respective countries and then announced. He added that following the potential signing, both parties will commit not to initiate any other war, and will begin the second stage of negotiations, scheduled within a 60-day period, to reach a final agreement, focusing mainly on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions removal.

He stressed that Tehran insists that the only acceptable way of dealing with its highly enriched uranium will be diluting it within Iranian territory.

Araghchi also said that the potential MoU would include provisions for ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, requiring Israel to withdraw from the occupied areas.

Other key issues in the MoU include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the full lifting of the U.S. anti-Iran naval blockade, and the release of Iran's frozen assets, he noted.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said its management will definitely not to return the pre-war era. While Iran will retain sovereignty and a military presence, a legal system consistent with international law will be established, he said.

He ruled out tolls for passage but noted that charging service fees will be reasonable.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States had "just made a great settlement of the war with Iran," with an agreement expected "over the next few days."

Over recent weeks, Iran and the United States have exchanged several peace proposals through Pakistan's mediation, and have been working to finalize an MoU to end the war.