China Launches First Satellites of Constellation to Rival Starlink

By Alexander, Economic Analyst
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In a significant move to establish a global internet network akin to SpaceX's Starlink, China successfully launched the first batch of satellites for its ambitious "Thousand Sails Constellation." The launch, led by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), took place at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre on August 5, 2024. This initiative marks a crucial step in China's strategy to compete in the burgeoning satellite internet market and to enhance its technological prowess in space communications.

The initial launch deployed 18 satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO), with plans to deploy 108 satellites by the end of this year and a total of 648 satellites by 2025. The ultimate goal is to have over 15,000 satellites in orbit by 2030, providing near-global coverage and offering services to consumers, businesses, and government agencies.

This development is part of China's broader plan to reduce its reliance on foreign technology and assert its presence in the space domain. The new constellation aims to offer broadband internet services, enhancing connectivity in remote and underserved areas, and potentially altering the dynamics of global communication and military capabilities.
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China's entry into the satellite internet race underscores the intensifying competition with the United States in space technology. The successful deployment of these satellites signifies China's commitment to challenging SpaceX's Starlink, which currently has around 5,500 satellites in orbit, and to positioning itself as a major player in the global internet infrastructure​ (Devdiscourse)​​ (Devdiscourse)​​ (Republic World)​.