TEDA’s Aerospace Industry Takes Off with Speed and Momentum

On the shores of Bohai Bay, the Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA) is advancing at full speed in the aerospace sector with robust momentum. On one hand, deep space economy, spearheaded by the "Big Rocket" base, is in full swing and has become a vital force in China’s exploration of the vast universe. On the other hand, the low-altitude economy, centered on unmanned aerial vehicles, is developing rapidly and emerging as a powerful engine for local economic growth, vividly illustrating the transformation, upgrading, and integrated development of advanced manufacturing driven by innovation.

At the Tianjin Next-Generation Launch Vehicle Industrial Base which is located in the West Zone of TEDA, hi-tech companies represented by the Tianjin Aerospace Long March Rocket Manufacturing Co., Ltd. are rolling out various tasks in full swing. This state-of-the-art new aerospace city, representing China's aerospace capabilities and globally advanced standards, is responsible for the production, final assembly, and testing of launch vehicles such as the Long March 5, Long March 5B, Long March 7, Long March 7A, Long March 8, etc. Not long ago, the Long March 8 Yao-4 rocket, assembled and produced at this base, successfully deployed 12 satellite internet low-orbit satellite groups into their predetermined orbits, accomplishing its mission with excellence. Prior to this, the Long March rocket series had already made significant contributions to major national aerospace projects, including China’s manned space program, lunar exploration, Mars exploration, space station construction, and the Beidou Navigation Satellite System.

Since its establishment in TEDA back in 2008, the "Big Rocket" base has successively attracted over 30 top players of the industry such as Aerospace Arimt Technology, Aerospace Reliable and AVIC Poly in nearly two decades, laying a solid foundation for local aerospace industry. A robust industrial chain covering raw materials, R&D, manufacturing, and testing has taken shape.

Standing out in this high-end industrial chain is Beacon Paint, which was founded in 1916. This century-old company’s aerospace coatings have been successfully applied to the Long March series of carrier rockets, the Shenzhou series of manned spacecraft, the Chang'e lunar exploration program, and the Tiangong-1 space station, ensuring their stable operation in extreme temperatures as they travel in the universe. From a pioneer in China's coating industry to a guardian of the country’s aerospace exploration, Beacon Paint embodies the continuous development of Chinese industry and the innovative spirit of Tianjin. A company executive stated, "We aim to reach internationally advanced levels by developing high-tech products and securing a leading position in coating technology." The confident words reflect both the company’s strength and its ambition.

This confidence is rooted in Tianjin's urban DNA and comprehensive strength. As one of the birthplaces of modern industries in China, Tianjin boasts advantages in advanced manufacturing and R&D, talent resources, and port facilities, providing fertile ground for the development of aerospace industry. The innovation-friendly environment and professional services of TEDA have further given wings to the industry, enabling the aerospace sector to thrive here, extend into other fields, and bear fruitful results through industrial integration.

ROCOR MEDICAL Technology Co., Ltd. Stands out as a prime example. Leveraging the support of the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology and collaborating with TEDA International Cardiovascular Hospital, the company developed the HeartCon implantable left ventricular assist system—dubbed the "Rocket Heart"—which received market approval in 2022. This product successfully applies magnetic levitation technology from the aerospace sector to treat heart failure, with its key technical indicators reaching international standards. To date, it has saved the lives of over 190 patients with end-stage heart failure. Currently, a lighter and more powerful second-generation "Rocket Heart" has passed testing by the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control and is set to commence nationwide multi-center clinical trials.

While the deep-space economy shows promising prospects, TEDA has exquisitely seized development opportunities by extending its industrial chain into the drone sector, facilitating the swift ascent of its low-altitude economy. Currently, TEDA is home to approximately 30 drone-related enterprises. It has gathered a galaxy of leading companies, including drone manufacturers represented by EFY Intelligent Control, i-KINGTEC, and AheadX; raw material manufacturers like Aerospace Arimt; and software/hardware R&D firms such as XINXING CATHAY. Together these companies formed a relatively comprehensive industrial chain covering UAV R&D, design, manufacturing, and operational services.

Behind a thriving industry lies the dual drive of a supportive industrial environment and a favorable business climate. In 2015, EFY Intelligent Control was established in TEDA. With continuous support from regional policies and services, the company has gradually grown into an industry leader. " TEDA provides timely assistance at critical junctures, helping enterprises move forward," said Qi Juntong, Chairman of EFY Intelligent Control, echoing the views of all enterprises in TEDA. Today, with its core UAV swarm control systems, EFY Intelligent Control has built a full-stack system encompassing the R&D, design, and manufacturing of drones. It has applied for over 500 independent intellectual property rights, and its business spans more than 40 countries and regions globally.

Thanks to the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development strategy, along with TEDA's industrial support and supply chain advantages in the low-altitude economy, i-KINGTEC, which was relocated to TEDA from Beijing in 2018, realized rapid growth here. For  consecutive years, the company ranked first in China in terms of market share in the segment market of intelligent drone inspection services. "Tianjin is a blessed place for our company to take off. Leveraging the momentum of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development, our company is soaring to new heights," said Zhu Shengli, co-founder and chief marketing officer of i-KINGTEC.

The clustering of the drone industry continues to drive the regional industrial upgrading. Early this year, the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Unmanned Intelligent Equipment Integration Base Project, with a total investment of 130 million yuan, settled down in the TEDA Yatsen Intelligence & Innovation Park. In May, this base, along with the TEDA Intelligent Unmanned Equipment Industrial Park and the Beitangwan Digital Economy Industrial Park, were approved for drone test flight airspace with an altitude of 120 meters. This breakthrough not only addressed the testing challenges for the drone industry but also effectively reduced R&D costs and cycles for enterprises, creating an effect of "attracting phoenixes through building nests". Just a few months later, YUN CHUANG TECHNOLOGY signed an agreement to settle in the TEDA Yatsen Intelligence & Innovation Park, adding significant strength to TEDA's low-altitude economy industry.

The rise of the aerospace industry is a vivid testament to TEDA's high-quality development. Spearheaded by the "Big Rocket" project, TEDA's aerospace sector has, from the very beginning, occupied the commanding height of technology and has been continuously extending its industrial chain. It made admirable achievements in innovation for industrial integration through inter-disciplinary empowerment. At the same time, leveraging the region's robust high-end equipment industry, TEDA has seized the development opportunities presented by the low-altitude economy, made the industry thrive and reach out to a broader scope. Moving forward, TEDA will accelerate technological innovation, foster new quality productive forces, and write down more eye-catching "TEDA Stories" in the aerospace industry.