China's space-startup boom fueled by government boost

Country looks to tap into growing commercial rocket and satellite sectors

China became the first country to land a probe on the far side of the moon on Jan. 11, indicative of Beijing's reach for the stars. (China National Space Administration/Xinhua News Agency via AP)

MITSURU OBE, Nikkei staff writer

January 23, 2019 18:44 JST

TOKYO/HONG KONG -- China is ramping up a campaign to nurture space startups in an attempt to solidify its technological base and grab the lead in the emerging sector of small satellites and low-cost rocket launches.