How many steps are required to produce a satellite weighing less than 1 ton? Recently, the reporter visited the General Department of Space Engineering of China Aerospace Science and Industry Group located in Wuhan Satellite Industry Park, Hubei Province, to explore China's first small satellite intelligent production line characterized by "flexible intelligence, digital twins, and cloud manufacturing". "With the rapid development of satellite constellations such as communication and remote sensing, satellite research and production have shifted from traditional single and small batch to large-scale and batch production." Shen Wenfa, Director of Wuhan Intelligent Manufacturing Center in the Overall Department of Space Engineering, introduced that through six major production information systems, including process management system, manufacturing execution management system, and intelligent logistics management system, automated distribution of production lines, intelligent assembly, and efficient testing have been achieved. Since its completion for two years, more than 10 models of whole satellite and several 10 single machine production tasks have been completed. Entering the production workshop, the first thing that catches your eye is the satellite component library. The system can automatically number, type identification codes, and match inventory locations based on the size and weight of materials. "After the production line issues production instructions, the parts warehouse transports the required materials to the intelligent assembly system through automatic guided vehicles," said Shen Wenfa. Part assembly production mainly adopts a human-machine cooperation mode. "The robotic arm works according to the standardized operation process set by precision process parameters, which can improve efficiency and eliminate human errors that may be caused by manual operations." Shen Wenfa told reporters that the automation rate of the production line has reached more than 50%, increasing the production efficiency of small satellites by more than 40% and shortening the single satellite cycle by more than 80%, truly realizing the magnificent transformation from "manufacturing" to "intelligent manufacturing". "After installing the complete satellite, a series of tests and experiments are required, mainly including comprehensive testing, load testing, accuracy testing, quality characteristic testing, and force and heat related tests." Shen Wenfa introduced that after a series of tests and experiments, the product is produced and qualified before being taken offline and stored for subsequent tasks. In order to ensure the reliability of the entire satellite production process, the factory has reached a cleanliness standard of 100000 levels. "We will closely monitor the intelligent production line of small satellites through project-based and list based supervision to ensure that satellite production is not covered in dust." Hou Yinghui, Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of the General Department of Space Engineering, introduced that since the start of the construction of the production line, the Discipline Inspection Commission of the General Department has identified the entry point and carried out regular political supervision around important issues such as the implementation of responsibilities, decision-making measures, and problem rectification of all parties involved in the construction of the production line.