BEIJING: China has eased initial public offering (IPO) requirements for companies developing reusable commercial rockets, granting them fast-track access to listings on Shanghai’s tech-focused STAR market, the Shanghai Stock Exchange has announced.
Under the new guidelines, eligible rocket firms will be exempt from profitability and minimum revenue requirements, provided they meet key technological benchmarks. These include completing at least one successful orbital launch using reusable rocket technology.
The move builds on regulatory changes introduced in June that made it easier for pre-profit innovative companies to list on the STAR market. It reflects Beijing’s broader push to strengthen China’s space capabilities and narrow the gap with the United States, which currently leads in reusable rocket technology, according to Reuters.
At present, Elon Musk’s SpaceX dominates the sector, with its Falcon 9 rocket being the only reusable model regularly used for satellite launches. Chinese authorities hope the relaxed IPO rules will help domestic firms raise capital and accelerate development.
Earlier this month, private aerospace firm LandSpace conducted China’s first full reusable rocket test with its Zhuque-3 model. While the booster was not recovered, the launch marked a significant step forward. LandSpace has said it aims to achieve successful rocket recovery by mid-2026 and has stressed the need for capital market access to compete globally.
The Shanghai Stock Exchange clarified that firms are not required to recover a rocket to qualify for the fast lane, as long as reusable technology is used to place a satellite into orbit.
