China's race to rival Starlink with 38,000-satellite network
Chinese enterprises are preparing to create a massive satellite network to compete with Elon Musk's Starlink system. The project involves placing approximately 38,000 satellites in orbit as part of three distinct constellations: Qianfan, Guo Wang, and Honghu-3. Although ambitions are high, the path to success may be challenging.
SpaceX is currently at the forefront of the race for dominance in space-based internet. The company already has nearly 7,000 operational satellites in orbit and serves about 5 million customers across more than 100 countries. SpaceX plans to expand its constellation to 42,000 units.
Other entities are also operating in the satellite internet market. The European company Eutelsat OneWeb has launched over 630 satellites into low Earth orbit. Meanwhile, Amazon, as part of Project Kuiper, intends to create a network of over 3,000 satellites, but so far, the company has only placed two prototype devices in orbit.
China aims to take over the space-based internet
Steve Feldstein from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace points out that China's involvement in the space-based internet project has deeper political significance. According to the expert, Starlink's success in providing uncensored internet to remote corners of the world poses a challenge to China's model of information flow control.
Blaine Curcio from Orbital Gateway Consulting notes that China may use censorship as a distinguishing feature for their service in some markets. The expert claims that although they might not be first to market, they can offer effective content control as an asset for certain countries.
Strategic significance of the project
Juliana Suess from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs emphasises that the Chinese satellite network may find customers in countries not covered by Starlink. She lists countries such as Russia, Afghanistan, and Syria. The expert points out that 70% of 4G infrastructure in Africa was built by Huawei, which may facilitate China's expansion on the continent.
Feldstein argues that the war in Ukraine demonstrated the strategic importance of satellite internet in armed conflicts. The expert highlights the role of this technology in conducting drone operations and creating a networked battlefield. In his opinion, these experiences are urging China to consider developing its satellite constellation as a crucial element of national security.
