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China Launches First Satellites of Constellation to Rival Starlink
China launches the first wave of satellites for their megaconstellation, which will compete with Starlink. SSST's "Thousand Sails Constellation" plans to launch more than 15,000 LEO satellites. Starlink, led by Elon Musk, intends to significantly expand its satellite network.
This milestone launch represents a crucial step towards Beijing's strategic goal of establishing its own version of Starlink. Starlink, a fast developing commercial broadband constellation with some 5,500 satellites in orbit, serves consumers, businesses, and government agencies.
The struggle to dominate Earth's lower orbits has military consequences, which could influence power relations between contending states.
According to the China Securities Journal, the launch was managed by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) and took place at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre in Shanxi province, China's primary satellite and missile launch facility.
SSST's program, known as the "Thousand Sails Constellation" or the "G60 Starlink Plan," began last year with the goal of installing over 15,000 low Earth orbit satellites.
LEO satellites typically orbit at altitudes ranging from 300km to 2,000km above the Earth's surface, providing more cost-effectiveness and transmission capabilities than higher-orbiting satellites.
Meanwhile, Starlink, led by billionaire Elon Musk, has a sizable customer base in the United States and wants to significantly expand its satellite network, making it the largest of its type.
Over the last two years, Chinese military researchers within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) have closely monitored Starlink's deployment during the battle in Ukraine. They have repeatedly highlighted the potential risks it poses to China in the event of a military confrontation with the United States. An op-ed in a PLA publication in January labelled Starlink's deployment as a "serious threat to the security of space assets of various countries."
SSST's "Thousand Sails Constellation" is one of China's three "ten-thousand star constellation" designs, aimed at closing the gap with SpaceX's capabilities.
According to the SSST plan, 108 satellites will be launched this year, with a total of 648 spacecraft expected by the end of 2025. The goal is to attain "global network coverage" by 2027, with 15,000 satellites launched by 2030.
SSST has yet to reply to requests for comment on the latest developments.
China launches first batch of satellites for megaconstellation to rival Starlink
SSST's "Thousand Sails Constellation" aims to deploy over 15,000 LEO satellites
Starlink, led by Elon Musk, plans significant expansion of its satellite network
Source: REUTERS