# China Unveils Initial Satellites for Guowang Megaconstellation: A New Chapter in Space-Based Internet
On December 16, 2024, China made a noteworthy advancement toward its ambitious objective of establishing a vast satellite constellation intended to deliver worldwide internet access. The inaugural launch of 10 satellites for the Guowang megaconstellation represents the commencement of a venture that could culminate in up to 13,000 satellites circling the Earth within the next ten years. This undertaking, led by the Chinese government, seeks to compete with pre-existing satellite internet systems such as SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper.
## The Launch: A Landmark Achievement
The satellites were sent into orbit aboard a Long March 5B rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Site located on Hainan Island, the southernmost province of China. Powered by 10 liquid-fueled engines yielding 2.4 million pounds of thrust, the rocket successfully placed the satellites into a polar orbit approximately 680 miles (1,100 kilometers) above the Earth’s surface. Unlike earlier missions that raised apprehensions about the uncontrolled re-entry of the rocket’s core stage, this launch employed a Yuanzheng 2 upper stage, ensuring the payloads reached their designated orbit safely and effectively.
The Guowang satellites are engineered to offer low-latency, high-speed internet, akin to the framework of SpaceX’s Starlink network. Nevertheless, Chinese officials have not yet released specific information regarding the satellites’ technical specifications, intended markets, or user terminals.
## Guowang: China’s Counterpart to Starlink
The Guowang initiative, which translates to “national network,” is overseen by China SatNet, a government-created organization that has operated discreetly since its establishment in 2021. The constellation aspires to deliver global internet service, especially in locations where networks like Starlink are prohibited, such as China and Russia. The project is in line with China’s wider strategy to bolster its technology and strategic capabilities in space.
Preparations for Guowang have been underway since 2020 when it filed for spectrum allocation with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). These submissions detailed a constellation of 12,992 satellites functioning at various altitudes and orbital configurations. As per ITU regulations, China must launch half of the constellation—6,496 satellites—by 2032 to retain its spectrum entitlements.
## Competing Constellations: Qianfan and Beyond
Guowang is not the only satellite internet initiative in China. Earlier this year, the country initiated the launch of its first satellites for the Qianfan (Thousand Sails) constellation, managed by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST). Unlike Guowang, the Qianfan project has been more forthcoming, revealing intentions for an initial deployment of 1,300 satellites, with possibilities for expansion to 14,000. The Qianfan satellites incorporate a flat-panel design resembling Starlink, facilitating efficient stacking during launches.
The presence of numerous satellite internet projects in China raises questions regarding their coordination and ultimate goals. While Qianfan has shared some technical insights, Guowang remains largely enigmatic, fueling speculation about its potential military usage.
## Strategic and Military Repercussions
The rollout of satellite megaconstellations like Guowang carries considerable implications for global communication and military tactics. Networks such as Starlink have already illustrated their utility in military contexts, particularly assisting Ukrainian forces amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The U.S. military has also utilized Starlink for reconnaissance and communication, acknowledging the strategic benefits of a robust, decentralized satellite network.
Chinese officials are highly cognizant of these advantages and are expected to integrate Guowang into their military strategies. U.S. Space Force leaders have articulated concerns about the potential military functionalities of China’s satellite networks. General Stephen Whiting, the head of U.S. Space Command, remarked that such networks could augment China’s military accuracy, reach, and effectiveness.
“China’s swift progress in space capabilities is something we are closely observing,” stated Whiting. “Their deployment of a proliferated low-Earth orbit constellation like Guowang could markedly enhance their global communication and operational capabilities.”
## Challenges and Prospects
The successful establishment of the Guowang constellation will necessitate a significant enhancement of China’s launch capabilities. This requirement has prompted the creation of new commercial rockets, including reusable boosters, aimed at reducing costs and increasing launch frequency. While the Long March 5B currently stands as the most sophisticated Chinese rocket for such missions, forthcoming launches are anticipated to utilize a diverse range of platforms as China’s space sector advances.
However, the proliferation of satellite megaconstellations prompts concerns about orbital congestion and space debris. U.S. Space Command is currently tracking approximately 47,000 objects in orbit and is vigilant for potential collisions. While SpaceX collaborates with Space Command to share satellite position data, China has yet to establish analogous communication channels, complicating efforts to maintain orbital safety.
“We urge all nations engaged in space activities to adopt responsible practices,”
