Thousands of Chinese Satellites to Invade Low Earth Orbit, Rivaling Elon Musk's Starlink Endeavor
In a significant move to establish a strong presence in the global satellite internet market, China has launched the ambitious Guowang project. This initiative, led by the state-backed company China Satnet, aims to replicate the success of SpaceX's Starlink network with a reported constellation of up to 13,000 satellites.
The development and launch of Guowang is a key part of China's strategy to advance its satellite communication capabilities. On August 13, the Long March 5B rocket successfully launched from China's Wenchang Space Launch Center, carrying the 8th batch of satellites for the broadband network. Each mission carries only 8-10 spacecraft due to the excessive heavy weight of each satellite.
Guowang, meaning 'national network,' is a megaconstellation, a large constellation of satellites in low-Earth orbit designed to provide global internet coverage. The aim of Guowang is to ensure national data security, provide widespread connectivity, and dominate the growing global satellite internet market.
In comparison, SpaceX launches 24 to 28 satellites in every mission to assemble its Starlink broadband megaconstellation, which currently consists of nearly 8,100 operational spacecraft. The deployment of Guowang in low-Earth orbit brings stronger competition to SpaceX's Starlink network.
China Satellite Network Group is leading the project, which is part of a bigger strategy of the government to make the country self-reliant in digital sovereignty and technology. The goal of the Chinese Guowang mission is primarily military-focused, distinguishing it from commercial satellite networks like Starlink.
To speed up satellite production and develop powerful rockets for recurrent launches, China is involving state-owned aerospace giants, like the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The successful launch of the Long March 5B rocket and the deployment of the 8th batch of Guowang satellites is a significant step forward in China's efforts to compete in the satellite internet market, with the full constellation set to be operational by 2025.
Guowang is an ambitious project that seeks to provide China with a significant presence in the global satellite internet market. The project, if successful, will ensure national data security, provide widespread connectivity, and potentially dominate the growing global satellite internet market.
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