China’s Ambitious Starlink Plan: Launching 26,000 Satellites in 10 Years

China is embarking on a “Chinese version of Starlink” project. The plan is to launch more than 26,000 low-Earth orbit (LEO) communication satellites through state-owned enterprises to build an independent communication network.

According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on the 10th (local time), China Satellite Network Group (SatNet), which the Chinese government funds, aims to operate more than 26,000 LEO satellites over the next ten years, starting with the first satellite launch in the first half of this year. This is comparable to Starlink’s ultimate goal of launching about 40,000 satellites.

Once LEO satellites begin operations, high-speed internet communication will be possible in mountainous areas or islands where it is challenging to build communication base stations and in disaster or conflict areas. Combined with an independent Global Positioning System (GPS), it can also be used for military purposes such as drone control and information sharing.

According to Nikkei, SatNet plans to increase the number of launched satellites to 1,300 by 2029 and build a LEO communication satellite network by 2035 after launching the first satellite in the first half of this year. At the same time, Shanghai Dongfang Satellite Science and Technology, which the Shanghai government funds, is also planning to launch 12,000 LEO satellites.

The extensive construction of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) communication satellites is consistent with President Xi Jinping’s aspiration to establish China as a “space power.” While pursuing independent projects such as a space station and Mars exploration, China is also actively promoting the commercial utilization of artificial satellites. This endeavor gains significance, particularly considering that access to SpaceX’s communication satellite system, Starlink, is restricted in China. China’s efforts to develop its communication satellites indicate its intent to compete with the United States for dominance in this field.

Previously, China had also built its version of GPS, called BeiDou, in 2020.

By. Hye Jin Jeong