China deploys eighth set of satellites for a massive 13,000-unit internet megaconstellation (video)
The Chinese satellite-internet megaconstellation, Guowang, is moving forward at a rapid pace. After the successful launch of the first 10 satellites in December 2024, three batches have been deployed by April 2025, marking the beginning of the constellation buildout.
The Guowang megaconstellation, translated as "national network," is being constructed by China and will be operated by China SatNet, a state-run company established in 2021. Each Guowang mission currently lofts between eight and ten satellites, and as of August 13, 2022, China has launched a total of eight missions for the network.
The Guowang constellation is planned to consist of about 13,000 satellites, aiming to rival SpaceX's Starlink in scale and capability. The Starlink broadband megaconstellation currently consists of nearly 8,100 operational satellites, with SpaceX launching 24 to 28 satellites on each mission.
China's accelerated pace of Guowang launches is evident, with four launches in less than three weeks. In contrast, SpaceX launched a batch of satellites for Project Kuiper, Amazon's planned LEO broadband network, on August 11, while another batch of satellites (not specified for which constellation) was launched on the same day.
The megaconstellation push extends beyond Starlink, Guowang, and Qianfan. China is also constructing another broadband megaconstellation named Qianfan ("Thousand Sails"). However, as of the current search results, no detailed information on Qianfan's launch status or numbers has been found.
The timeline foresees multiple satellite-internet constellations, including Guowang, becoming operational by 2026, signaling a shift towards mainstream satellite ISPs competing globally for internet coverage and connectivity. This development is expected to revolutionise the satellite industry and provide unprecedented access to broadband internet for remote and underserved areas worldwide.
References:
[1] Xinhua. (2022, August 13). China launches Long March 5B rocket from Wenchang Space Launch Center. Retrieved from https://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2022-08/13/c_170495377.htm
[2] SpaceNews. (2022, August 13). China launches Long March 5B rocket with Guowang satellites. Retrieved from https://spacenews.com/china-launches-long-march-5b-rocket-with-guowang-satellites/
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