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A Chinese carmaker is mass-producing satellites – one every 28 days

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By Dou Hanyang, People’s Daily

In a cavernous workshop lined with robotic arms and humming conveyor belts, a satellite takes shape – not in years, but in weeks.

Geely, best known as a leading car manufacturer in China, is now building satellites in just 28 days. At its satellite factory in Taizhou, east China’s Zhejiang province, the company is applying the same intelligent manufacturing know-how that put millions of its cars on the road to a very different frontier: low-Earth orbit(LEO).

The facility, operated by Geespace, a subsidiary of Geely, marks a leap forward in the commercial space industry, where satellite production has long been a slow, bespoke affair.

Traditionally, it takes hundreds of engineers and technicians up to two years to produce a single satellite, across design, manufacturing, assembly, and final testing. Geely’s new factory can turn one out in less than a month – with a team of just 30. “We can produce up to 500 satellites a year,” said Liu Yong, deputy general manager of Geespace.

“Automation has completely changed the game,” said Liu. “From design and R&D to production, testing, and satellite operation, every step is now faster, smarter, more integrated.”

Inside the factory, production unfolds with industrial choreography. Engineers input specifications at control panels while autonomous robots glide across the floor, delivering honeycomb panels to the subassembly line. In all, more than 60 programmed steps bring the satellite together. In the final stage, robotic arms follow precise programming to drive more than 1,600 screws into a 100-kilogram satellite, with an accuracy margin of less than 0.01 millimeters.

“Artificial intelligence drives much of the operation,” Liu explained. The factory’s intelligent quality inspection system, powered by AI algorithms and machine learning, monitors every stage of production in real time, flagging microscopic defects and cross-referencing in-orbit satellite data with factory output to ensure each unit meets the demand of mass deployment.

Once assembled, each satellite undergoes a range of tests designed to mimic the harsh realities of space. In a solar simulation area, engineers replicate the conversion of sunlight into electrical energy. In another, satellites are placed in a thermal vacuum chamber and subjected to temperature extremes ranging from -180 degrees to 100 degrees Celsius. Electromagnetic compatibility tests follow, ensuring each satellite can communicate reliably and resist interference once in orbit.

The satellites are tailored for LEO missions, supporting a range of applications like emergency communications, maritime connectivity, and aviation data services. China’s commercial LEO constellation development is still in its early stages and faces multiple challenges. Scaling up production is essential to secure the necessary orbital and frequency resources in space.

“As demand for satellite applications grows, scaling up production and achieving breakthroughs in key technologies will be crucial to strengthening China’s competitiveness in the global space industry,” Liu said.

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National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman

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Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.

The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.

Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.

Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.

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JUST IN: After Primary Election Victory, Shehu Sani Visits Parents’ Graves to Offer Prayers and Express Gratitude to God

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Following his victory in the party primary election, Senator Shehu Sani visited the graves of his parents to pray and give thanks to Almighty God.

The former senator described the visit as very important to him, noting that his parents played a significant role in his upbringing and in shaping his political life.

Shehu Sani prayed for Allah to forgive his parents and all deceased Muslims, while also reaffirming his commitment to continue serving the people with honesty and integrity after securing victory in the primaries.

The gesture has attracted attention from his supporters and social media users, many of whom praised his act of remembering his parents after a political success.

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National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman

Published

on

Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.

The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.

Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.

Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.

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