Jakarta, INTI - China has successfully launched its first batch of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite components into space, marking a major step forward in the global competition for satellite-based internet. The Qianfan Constellation, also known as the G60 Constellation, aims to rival Starlink, developed by SpaceX, in delivering direct satellite internet services.
In its latest mission, 18 communication satellites were successfully launched aboard a Long March 6A rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province on August 6, 2024. According to Xinhua News Agency, all satellites reached their intended orbit, marking the initial phase of a much larger constellation.
Qianfan Constellation Targets Global Connectivity Expansion
The Qianfan project was established last year by Shanghai Yuanxin Satellite Technology Company, with satellites manufactured by GeneSat. The initiative is structured in three development phases extending through 2030. By the end of 2025, China aims to deploy 648 satellites to support regional internet coverage, followed by global expansion. By 2030, the country plans to operate more than 14,000 satellites capable of delivering direct-to-mobile internet services.
LEO satellites typically operate at altitudes between 160 and 2,000 kilometers above Earth. Due to their lower orbit compared to geostationary satellites, they offer reduced latency, making them highly suitable for satellite internet services. They also enable faster transoceanic communication than undersea cables, provide broader coverage with minimal blind spots, and offer cost advantages for connectivity in remote and underserved regions.
At present, the global satellite internet market is still dominated by Starlink, led by Elon Musk. The company plans to deploy up to 42,000 satellites by 2027, while China has set an even more ambitious target of launching 51,000 satellites. Through the Qianfan Constellation, China is clearly signaling its commitment to entering the satellite internet market and challenging Starlink’s dominance.
Meanwhile, GeneSat plans to accelerate deployment by launching batches of 36 to 54 satellites per rocket, significantly speeding up the constellation’s development. With these strategic efforts, China aims to secure a leading position in the global satellite internet industry while delivering faster and more affordable connectivity worldwide.
The Qianfan Constellation reflects China’s growing ambition in space technology and global communications, ushering in a new era of competition in the satellite internet sector. With this progress, China is positioning itself not only to challenge but potentially surpass Starlink in the near future.
Conclusion
China’s successful launch of its initial LEO satellite batch marks a significant خطوة in the global satellite internet race. With ambitious plans to deploy thousands of satellites through the Qianfan Constellation, the country is positioning itself as a strong competitor to established players like Starlink. As the demand for fast, low-latency connectivity continues to grow worldwide, China’s rapid progress could reshape the competitive landscape and accelerate the evolution of global digital infrastructure.
Read more: Indonesia Set to Launch Its First LEO Satellite by 2027, Aiming to Compete with Starlink