Beijing Institute of Technology Ph.D. Graduate Builds Aerospace Unicorn, Raises 1 Billion Yuan from Satellite Sales, Eyes STAR Market IPO
In a significant development for China’s commercial aerospace sector, Beijing Micro and Nano Space Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “Micro and Nano Space”) has emerged as a rising star under the leadership of its founder Dr. Gao Enyu, a Ph.D. graduate trained at Beijing Institute of Technology and Pennsylvania State University. The company has recently completed the IPO counseling record filing with the Beijing Securities Regulatory Bureau and is preparing to list on the Science and Technology Innovation Board (commonly known as the STAR Market).
Pioneering a New Era in Chinese Commercial Aerospace
Founded in August 2017 and headquartered in Beijing’s Zhongguancun Yongfeng Industrial Base, Micro and Nano Space specializes in end-to-end satellite manufacturing — ranging from initial design and production to assembly, testing, and in-orbit services. The company focuses on two main satellite categories:
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“Space Photographer” Remote Sensing Satellites: These include optical satellites capable of high-definition surface imaging, as well as radar satellites that penetrate clouds and operate at night. Their applications span crop monitoring, disaster assessment, urban planning, and more.
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“Space Router” Communication Satellites: These facilitate the building of a globally seamless network for the Internet of Things (IoT) and internet connectivity, aiming to provide network access to underserved remote regions and ocean-going vessels.
Micro and Nano Space boasts mastery in key technologies such as high-resolution remote sensing and synthetic aperture radar (SAR), which distinguishes it within the industry.
Impressive Milestones and Portfolio
Since its inception, Micro and Nano Space has successfully developed and launched 27 satellites, growing its manufacturing capacity to more than 60 satellites per year. Among its landmarks are:
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Taijing-301: The first 0.5-meter resolution optical remote sensing satellite developed by a private Chinese enterprise.
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Taijing-401: China’s first commercial X-band synthetic aperture radar satellite.
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Taijing-403: The country’s first commercial Ku-band phased-array radar remote sensing satellite.
The company has built a complete closed-loop system for satellite development and testing across multiple cities, including Beijing, Changchun, Wuxi, and Chengdu.
Strong Financial Backing and Unicorn Status
Micro and Nano Space has attracted significant investor confidence, completing 14 rounds of financing with cumulative funding exceeding 2 billion yuan. A notable milestone came in June 2024, when the company raised 1 billion yuan in its Series C1 financing round, pushing its valuation to over 7 billion yuan and earning it “unicorn” status in China’s commercial aerospace industry. Its latest round of financing, closed in August 2025, includes backing from both state-owned capital and market-oriented investors.
Founder’s Vision and Industry Context
Dr. Gao Enyu, Micro and Nano Space’s founder, brings rich aerospace expertise from prior experience leading major projects at the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology and China Academy of Space Technology — both under the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. He foresaw the commercial satellite market’s potential following policy liberalization by the State Council in 2014 encouraging private capital in aerospace, alongside global satellite Internet initiatives like SpaceX’s Starlink.
Despite early challenges, including the failed orbit insertion of the “Future-1” satellite in 2018 due to a launch vehicle anomaly, the team quickly rebounded, executing multiple successful launches since.
Comprehensive Product Offerings and Market Reach
Besides manufacturing satellites, Micro and Nano Space offers satellite-ground integration services, including ground stations, control systems, and in-orbit management such as measurement and control, communication, and data services. Its product portfolio spans various remote sensing satellites — optical, infrared, hyperspectral, and microwave — as well as different classes of communication satellites.
The company’s clientele includes government scientific institutions, telecommunications firms, internet companies, and major state-owned enterprises. It has also contributed to major national projects, notably China’s first commercial SAR satellite, which enhances imaging capabilities under all weather conditions.
Outlook Amidst a Growing Space Economy
The global space economy is predicted to reach $1 trillion by 2040, offering expansive opportunities. China’s “14th Five-Year Plan” explicitly supports commercial aerospace and satellite Internet industrialization, creating a favorable environment for companies like Micro and Nano Space.
As commercial aerospace permeates daily life, from satellite internet enhancing connectivity in remote areas to more accurate weather forecasting, Micro and Nano Space aims to leverage its technological edge and expanding production capabilities. Its upcoming STAR Market IPO will further fuel growth and innovation in China’s fast-evolving space industry.
With Dr. Gao’s aerospace expertise and a firm foothold in cutting-edge satellite technologies, Micro and Nano Space stands at the forefront of a transformative period for commercial space ventures, bridging scientific advancement with practical applications that impact society at large.
