Artificial intelligence is becoming the “new propellant” in the aerospace field. At the Shanghai Aerospace Equipment Manufacturing Factory under the Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the manufacturing of launch vehicles like the Long March 12 has boarded the “high-speed train” of intelligent production.

The person in charge of the smart factory project stated that unlike manufacturing in sectors such as automobiles, aerospace products involve discrete manufacturing, characterized by single-unit, small-batch production and a need for customization. Focusing on the demand for batch production of launch vehicles, the factory continues to advance the intelligent production model, reshaping research and production capabilities.

It was explained that the pipelines for each type of rocket need to be adjusted according to mission requirements. Calculating based on over 100 process documents, the traditional model takes about one week to complete, while using AI tools can compress the planning cycle to one day.

“We extract the relevant design parameters and requirements, ‘feed’ them to a dedicated model, and then, after manual optimization, form an intelligent process flow,” it was said.

The intelligent production model also provides greater assurance for rocket launch capacity.

The rocket propellant tank is the storage vessel for propellant and oxidizer in a launch vehicle. The new generation of launch vehicles is developing towards integration, larger size, and lighter weight, which includes upgrading the traditional multi-piece welded structure of the tank bottom to an integrated structure.

The factory collaborated with multiple organizations to form a research team, manufacturing a rocket integrated tank bottom with a diameter of 4 meters, which was applied to the first flight rocket of the Long March 12 launch vehicle. Intelligent processes were utilized in this effort.

It was explained that in the traditional mode, processes such as milling, measurement, and parameter adjustment need to be completed sequentially in separate steps. The new process involves measuring thickness while milling, optimizing processing parameters in real-time and feeding them back to the equipment for execution, while simultaneously completing full-process data collection.

It is reported that in 2025, six departments including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology announced China’s first list of 15 pilot-level smart factories for cultivation. The factory’s “High-Reliability, Large-Scale Aerospace Product Full-Process Chain Dynamic Smart Factory” successfully made the list.

Shanghai Aerospace Equipment Manufacturing Factory

The Shanghai Aerospace Equipment Manufacturing Factory, established in 1961, is a key state-owned enterprise in China’s aerospace industry. It has played a vital role in manufacturing critical components for the nation’s Long March rocket series and various satellite programs. Today, it remains a major production and research base supporting China’s ongoing space exploration and technological advancement.

Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation

The Eighth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), established in 1961, is a major research and development base primarily responsible for China’s tactical missiles, launch vehicles, and satellite applications. Historically rooted in Shanghai’s aerospace industry, it has been instrumental in developing key defense and space systems, including the Long March series rockets and various satellite technologies.

Long March 12

“Long March 12” is not a widely recognized historical place or cultural site. It appears to be a potential reference to a specific event or location related to the **Long March** (1934-1936), a pivotal strategic retreat and military maneuver undertaken by the Red Army of the Communist Party of China. Without more specific context, it is not possible to provide a detailed summary, but it may refer to an event on December 12th during the Long March or a modern commemorative name.

Ministry of Industry and Information Technology

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) is a cabinet-level executive agency of the People’s Republic of China, established in 2008. It was formed by merging several previous ministries and commissions to oversee and regulate China’s industrial policy, technological development, telecommunications, and the information technology sector, playing a central role in the country’s modernization and digital transformation.

High-Reliability, Large-Scale Aerospace Product Full-Process Chain Dynamic Smart Factory

This is a modern industrial facility, not a traditional cultural site. It represents a cutting-edge, fully automated smart factory designed for the efficient and precise manufacturing of complex aerospace components, such as satellites or aircraft parts. Its history is rooted in recent advancements in Industry 4.0, utilizing real-time data, AI, and interconnected machinery to ensure high reliability throughout the entire production chain.