China launched the first batch of low-orbit communications satellites capable of competing with Starlink

The Chinese authorities, with the participation of companies with state participation, are forming their own constellation of low-orbit communication satellites, functionally duplicating the American Starlink network. Recently it became known about the launch of the first batch of a future constellation of 15,000 satellites, which will be managed by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology.

Image source: Unsplash, Donald Giannatti

As noted by the China Securities Journal, cited by Reuters, the Chinese company launched the first batch of satellites in Taiyuan, where the specialized launch site is located. The satellite constellation development program has been running since last year, and it should ultimately make it possible to launch approximately 15,000 space communications devices into low-Earth orbit. Typically, such satellites are located at a distance of 300 to 2000 km from the Earth’s surface; they are cheaper than “long-range” satellites and allow transmitting information at high speeds at lower costs.

The largest constellation of satellites of this type is owned by the American company Starlink; there are already thousands of spacecraft, their number is constantly increasing. According to Reuters, Chinese scientists have repeatedly expressed concerns about the possibility of using the Starlink satellite network during military conflicts, recognizing the development of this service as a threat to the national security of various countries. The SSST program is designed to bridge the gap between China and the United States in this area. This year, 108 communications satellites will be launched, by the end of 2025 another 648 will be launched, in 2027 the network will already cover the entire planet, and by the end of the decade the number of satellites should grow to 15,000.