China’s attempt at a Starlink killer launches first batch of satellites
China is trying to close the gap in the satellite space race.
According to Chinese media reports, the state-owned Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) launched a rocket carrying over a dozen internet satellites into space on Tuesday. The satellites will form part of a megaconstellation that can provide high-speed internet across the globe.
Last year, the SSST began working on its "Thousand Sails" project, which aims to deploy 15,000 low Earth orbit satellites by the end of the decade.
For context: there are nearly 10,000 satellites estimated to be orbiting Earth, and NASA says private companies will play a growing role in launches. Elon Musk’s Starlink is the biggest player by far, with over 6,000 satellites orbiting 342 miles above Earth.
Now, China is playing catch-up, with plans to invest billions in space tech to become the next big high-speed internet provider and launch 26,000 satellites across the globe.
Last year, the SSST began working on its "Thousand Sails" project, which aims to deploy 15,000 low Earth orbit satellites by the end of the decade.
For context: there are nearly 10,000 satellites estimated to be orbiting Earth, and NASA says private companies will play a growing role in launches. Elon Musk’s Starlink is the biggest player by far, with over 6,000 satellites orbiting 342 miles above Earth.
Now, China is playing catch-up, with plans to invest billions in space tech to become the next big high-speed internet provider and launch 26,000 satellites across the globe.
