银行为何开始发射卫星了？

Core Viewpoint - The successful launch of "Zhaoyin Jinkui" and "Puyin Shuzhi" satellites by China Merchants Bank and Pudong Development Bank marks a significant step in the integration of banking and commercial aerospace, highlighting the banks' strategic move to leverage satellite technology for enhancing digital financial infrastructure and supporting the commercial aerospace industry [2][10]. Group 1: Satellite Launch and Collaboration - The "Zhaoyin Jinkui" and "Puyin Shuzhi" satellites are part of the "Tianqi Constellation" low-orbit narrowband satellite IoT network, showcasing banks' involvement in satellite launches [2][3]. - This is not the first instance of banks collaborating with commercial satellite companies; previous launches include "Zhaoyin 1" and "Zhaoyin 2" by China Merchants Bank and "Ping An 1" and "Ping An 2" by Ping An Bank [3][4]. - Banks are adopting various paths to utilize satellite technology, including direct satellite launches and purchasing processed data from satellite companies for financial applications [3][4]. Group 2: Applications and Benefits of Satellite Technology - The integration of low-orbit satellites enhances banks' capabilities in financial asset management, risk control, and emergency communication, extending their digital infrastructure into space [3][6]. - Banks are increasingly moving from merely purchasing satellite data to actively participating in satellite launches, driven by the need for improved risk management and business continuity [6][7]. - The use of satellite technology allows banks to overcome geographical and environmental limitations, thus expanding their business reach, especially in remote areas [7][10]. Group 3: Cost and Market Dynamics - The cost of launching commercial satellites is expected to decrease due to technological advancements and economies of scale, making customized commercial applications more feasible [8][9]. - Current costs for launching a commercial satellite range from tens of millions to over a billion yuan, with significant potential for reduction as the industry matures [8][9]. - By 2030, the cost of satellite launches could drop to below 10,000 yuan per kilogram, further encouraging financial institutions to invest in satellite technology [9]. Group 4: Financial and Industrial Synergy - The collaboration between banks and satellite companies represents a deeper financial and industrial synergy, enabling banks to expand their service offerings and support the development of the commercial aerospace ecosystem [10][14]. - Banks are innovating financial products and services, such as satellite leasing and industry-specific funds, to meet the unique needs of the aerospace sector [14][15]. - The integration of satellite data into financial services is expected to enhance credit assessments and risk management, aligning financial services more closely with the real economy [10][15].