China has embarked on launching a megaconstellation reminiscent of SpaceX’s Starlink. Chinese officials have long hinted at deploying a satellite network to deliver broadband Internet across China and its sphere of influence. Two major efforts are currently underway to rival SpaceX’s network, banned in China. The first batch of 18 satellites for one of these networks launched into low-Earth orbit on Tuesday. A Long March 6A rocket, one of China’s newest, delivered the 18 Qianfan satellites into polar orbit from Taiyuan launch base in Shanxi province. The Long March 6A, equipped with strap-on solid rocket boosters, can deploy payloads of up to 4.5 metric tons into a 700-kilometer Sun-synchronous orbit.
The launch, a complete success, marked the beginning of the “Spacesail Constellation” by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST). Backed by Shanghai’s municipal government, the network aims to deploy 1,296 satellites initially, with the potential to expand to over 14,000. This network, previously known as G60 Starlink, intends to provide global low-latency, high-speed broadband services, echoing the goals of SpaceX’s Starlink.
Details of the Qianfan satellites remain sparse, but they reportedly feature a standardized, modular flat-panel design, facilitating the stacking and deployment of multiple satellites in a single launch, akin to SpaceX’s approach. A new factory in Shanghai can produce up to 300 Qianfan satellites annually, with plans to launch the first 108 satellites this year.
SSST has secured over $900 million from state-backed investment funds and venture capital. Initially linked to a joint venture with Germany-based KLEO Connect, SSST is now independently advancing the Thousand Sails network after the venture dissolved amid legal and governmental challenges.
While the Thousand Sails network scales up, it faces competition from another planned Chinese megaconstellation, Guowang, backed by the central government. The deployment of these networks will likely require significant increases in China’s launch capacity, potentially driving the development of new commercial rockets. Alongside civilian applications, China recognizes the military utility of satellite Internet services, suggesting strategic implications for the Thousand Sails network.