China has officially begun its ambitious project to rival SpaceX's Starlink by launching the first batch of satellites for its Qianfan megaconstellation. On August 6, a Long March 6A rocket successfully deployed 18 Qianfan satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. This marks the initial step in China’s plan to build a 14,000-satellite network to provide global internet coverage. Operated by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology and backed by the Shanghai municipal government, Qianfan is set to become a key player in the satellite internet industry, competing with SpaceX's growing Starlink constellation.
Qianfan’s satellites will orbit at an altitude of about 500 miles, slightly higher than Starlink's, offering potential advantages in coverage and connectivity. With a planned total of 14,000 satellites, Qianfan will deliver internet services similar to Starlink's, which currently operates over 6,200 satellites and aims for a total of 42,000. This significant launch underlines China’s determination to establish itself as a global leader in space technology and satellite communications.
China’s satellite internet ambitions extend beyond Qianfan, with the Guowang (SatNet) 13,000-satellite project also in the pipeline, managed by the China Satellite Network Group. As China continues to expand its satellite network, it is set to challenge established players like SpaceX, potentially reshaping the global internet connectivity landscape.
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