Highlights
- China has launched a prototype internet satellite as part of its satellite internet project, code-named “Guo Wang.”
- The long-term plan is to create a constellation of 13,000 satellites to establish a state-run share of the satellite internet market.
- The project is backed by China’s State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) and led by Chinese company SatNet.
- China aims to compete with companies like SpaceX’s Starlink in providing high-speed broadband internet services via satellite.
- The satellite internet market is projected to reach $22.57 billion by 2030, with significant growth expected in developing countries.
- China’s satellite internet project is part of its broader efforts to establish itself as a major player in the commercial space sector.
- The Chinese government has opened the satellite internet market to private investment, leading to the emergence of several projects in recent years.
China Enters Satellite Internet Market with Ambitious Constellation Project
China has launched its own satellite internet network, marking its entry into the competitive industry. The project, backed by the Beijing government, aims to create a constellation of 13,000 satellites known as “Guo Wang” or “state network” in Mandarin. This move reflects China’s vision to establish a state-run share of the satellite internet market and compete with prominent players like SpaceX’s Starlink.
The prototype internet satellite was successfully launched on Sunday, July 9th, from China’s Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Inner Mongolia. It has entered a predetermined orbit and will undergo various tests to validate the broadband satellite technology. The long-term goal of the project is to provide extensive coverage and connectivity to users worldwide.
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The initiative is led by China’s State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC), which oversees the country’s largest state-owned enterprises. Chinese company SatNet is responsible for the implementation of the project. According to filings submitted to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), two constellations named GW-A59 and GW-2 will cover specific frequency ranges to ensure effective communication between space and Earth.
The global satellite internet market is witnessing significant growth, with an estimated value of $8.23 billion in 2022 and projected to reach $22.57 billion by 2030. As the number of satellite internet users continues to rise, China’s entry into the market aims to capture a significant share and meet the growing demand for broadband services.
China opened the satellite internet market to private investment in 2014, leading to the emergence of numerous projects in the country. Notable players include GalaxySpace, the first satellite internet developer in China, which received substantial financing from venture firms and government-led organisations. Governments worldwide are increasingly investing in satellite internet companies to bridge the digital divide and provide broadband services to underserved regions.
China’s foray into the satellite internet market aligns with its ambitious space programs, including the establishment of an International Lunar Research Station, the development of reusable rockets, and plans for crewed missions to Mars. By expanding its presence in the commercial space sector, China aims to enhance its technological capabilities and contribute to the global advancement of space exploration and connectivity.
With China’s satellite internet network taking shape, the competition in the industry is expected to intensify, offering users more options and driving innovation in the field of broadband connectivity.
Stay updated with the latest developments in the satellite internet market and China’s ambitious space endeavours as we witness a new era of connectivity and exploration.
