In June 2025, China’s Aerospace Technology sector announced a successful test of a domestically developed satellite operating system, marking a significant step toward technology independence in space control systems.
What Was Tested
China’s SpaceOS III, developed by the Beijing Institute of Control Engineering at the China Academy of Space Technology, was recently run aboard a satellite in low-Earth orbit. This marks one of the first real-world validations of the system’s ability to manage key spacecraft tasks—from communication and control to navigation—without foreign software components
Key Features of SpaceOS III
- Entirely home-grown OS with independent IP rights
- Designed for use across multiple space missions: crewed flights, deep-space probes, satellite constellations, and communications satellites
- Known for its high reliability and security, built upon lessons learned from earlier versions used in spacecraft since 2006
Why This Matters
- Technology autonomy: Reduces dependency on foreign systems in strategic space applications
- Broad application scope: A single OS platform supporting different mission types improves efficiency and lowers training overhead
- Security enhancement: With full control over its mission-critical software, China strengthens its defense against cyber threats in space
What Comes Next
Expect broader deployment across China’s satellite fleet, including upcoming constellations like Guowang (Thousand Sails). As constellation projects scale into the thousands of satellites, a reliable and unified OS becomes mission-critical. This could accelerate future announcements about widespread national deployment.
Bottom Line
China’s successful in-orbit test of SpaceOS III demonstrates a level of software maturity for satellites that supports both national security and commercial ambitions. The test is an important milestone in China’s growing space capabilities.
