China has taken a significant step towards challenging Elon Musk’s Starlink internet satellite constellation, launching the first 18 satellites in its own global broadband network project. This ambitious undertaking, known as the ‘Thousand Sails Constellation,’ aims to rival Starlink’s dominance in providing high-speed internet access from space.
The launch, reported by Chinese government-owned news agencies, took place from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi province. The project is being spearheaded by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, a government-owned company. The satellites are designed to operate in low Earth orbit (LEO), a zone extending up to 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers) above Earth’s surface, similar to Starlink’s network.
The move comes as China has expressed increasing concerns about the potential security implications of Starlink’s network. The Chinese People’s Liberation Army has voiced worries that Starlink could be used by the United States in a conflict, potentially tracking hypersonic missiles, enhancing communication for drones and fighter jets, and even targeting Chinese satellites. These concerns are amplified by the use of Starlink by Ukrainian forces to direct drones against Russian troops in the ongoing war.
China’s response to these concerns extends beyond the ‘Thousand Sails Constellation’ project. Chinese scientists have proposed a plan to equip submarines with lasers capable of destroying Starlink satellites. This drastic measure reflects the seriousness of China’s apprehensions about Starlink’s potential military capabilities.
The Chinese government is aiming high with its ‘Thousand Sails Constellation,’ with plans to launch a total of 108 satellites this year. By 2030, China aspires to have a network of 15,000 satellites in orbit, signaling its determination to establish a robust and competitive alternative to Starlink’s global internet dominance. This ambitious project signifies a major shift in the global space race, with China vying for a prominent position in the future of space-based communication and internet technology.
