science

China is developing satellite Internet capabilities by launching satellites

1 year ago
Read Time: 2 minutes
by Myrtle Frost
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A conceptual illustration showing China's progress in space internet capabilities after the satellite launch. The scene shows a missile flying through the sky, leaving a trail of white smoke. The background is filled with astronomers of different origins, such as a black female and a South Asian male. The ground control room is filled with people studying data on large screens, while a satellite appears at the top right, symbolizing newly launched Internet technology. A filter of technological patterns covers the entire scene, indicating Internet connectivity.

In a strategic push to improve global connectivity, China successfully launched an advanced satellite aimed at testing Internet communications from space. This initiative represents an important step towards China’s ambitious plan to deploy a network similar to the satellite Internet service provided by Starlink, which features a huge constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit.

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) coordinated the deployment using a Long March 2D rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The payload included the “Space Internet Technology Demonstration Program”, meticulously developed by the Small Satellite Innovation Academy of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The latest launch is a continuation of many similar missions. Earlier, in July, China sent two satellites into space using a Long March 2C rocket, signaling its gradual progress towards creating a satellite internet constellation.

China already hinted at a national satellite internet service in 2018, and formal moves were seen in 2020, when China requested spectrum allocation from the International Telecommunication Union. Spectrum requests detailed plans for two constellations in low Earth orbit under the Guang Project, which consists of 12,992 satellites that will fly to altitudes of 500 to 1,145 kilometers and operate in different frequency bands.

Although the main focus is internet connectivity, a report from the South China Morning Post suggests the potential for dual use of this constellation. It points to the potential for military applications, as China positions itself to harness space technology not only for civilian use, but also for strategic military gain.

China is taking an aggressive approach to establishing its presence in the space Internet space, and is rapidly developing technologies that can challenge, and even surpass, existing offerings. Although details such as satellite specifications and service launch have not been revealed, China’s commitment indicates its determination to become a major player in this increasingly important field. This effort represents not only a great technological leap, but also an element of geopolitical strategy in the continued expansion of the frontiers of space.