China is gearing up to launch the first satellites in a massive constellation intended to challenge Starlink’s dominance in low Earth orbit (LEO). This ambitious project, spearheaded by a Shanghai-based company, marks a critical move in China’s strategy to establish itself as a major player in the satellite internet race—one with potential military implications.
Strategic Move for China
The company leading this initiative, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), is set to launch the initial batch of satellites under the “Thousand Sails Constellation” or “G60 Starlink Plan.” The launch will take place at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre in Shanxi province and is a significant milestone in China’s goal to create its own version of SpaceX’s Starlink network.
Starlink, with around 5,500 satellites already in orbit, offers internet services to consumers, businesses, and government agencies worldwide. In response, China plans to deploy over 15,000 satellites in LEO, at altitudes ranging from 300 km to 2,000 km above Earth. These LEO satellites are central to China’s strategy due to their lower cost and more efficient transmission compared to those in higher orbits.
A Race to Dominate Low Earth Orbit
The “Thousand Sails Constellation” is part of a broader Chinese initiative involving three mega-constellations, each with tens of thousands of satellites, designed to close the gap with SpaceX. SSST’s plan includes launching 108 satellites this year, 648 by the end of 2025, achieving global coverage by 2027, and completing the deployment of 15,000 satellites by 2030.
This race for LEO dominance isn’t just about commercial advantages; it also carries significant military implications. China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has closely studied Starlink’s deployment during the war in Ukraine, warning of the potential risks the network poses to China in the event of a military conflict with the United States.
In January, an editorial in a PLA-affiliated newspaper described Starlink as a “serious threat to the security of space assets for various countries.” This underscores the urgency for China to develop its own LEO satellite capabilities that can rival those of SpaceX.
Ambitions Beyond Competition
Supported by substantial funding, including an investment equivalent to $933 million secured in February for building the LEO satellite constellation, SSST’s ambitions extend beyond merely competing with Starlink. The company aims to become a major player in the satellite industry and a leading provider of satellite communication services.
Moreover, the Thousand Sails Constellation is expected to offer integrated high-speed services that connect space, land, and sea, catering to the connectivity needs of users not just in China, but across the globe.
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