Elon Musk’s SpaceX company is known for launching thousands of satellites into orbit with the goal of providing global satellite internet through the Starlink project. So far, over 6200 satellites have been placed in orbit, and the competition in this field is increasing. Parallel to SpaceX’s success, China has also started taking significant steps for its own satellite internet network. China’s state-supported company named Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology successfully launched 18 satellites into orbit from Shanxi region last Monday. These satellites constitute the first step of the company’s extensive satellite network project named ‘Thousand Sails Constellation’.
Shanghai Spacecom Sends 18 Satellites into Space
Shanghai Spacecom’s goal is to provide network access globally by 2027 and to establish a strong satellite network in low Earth orbit by completing the project in 2030. This new satellite constellation aims to provide high-speed and stable internet access especially to remote areas with insufficient communication infrastructure. This project, referred to by local media as China’s version of Starlink, aims to occupy a significant place in the international satellite internet market.
This development adds a new dimension of competition to the race for providing global satellite internet and raises curiosity about how balances in the technology world will shape up. This new rival to Elon Musk and SpaceX could encourage more innovation and development in technology and communication.