China's government has announced a dedicated group to develop and operate nearly 13,000 broadband satellites, positioning it to challenge U.S. leaders like SpaceX and Amazon.
China's State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) recently revealed the formation of China Satellite Network Group Co., Ltd., based in Xiong'an New Area—a special economic zone in Hebei Province established in 2017. This entity will oversee two constellations totaling 12,992 satellites.
The group will operate independently from China's major space contractors, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. (CASC) and China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC).
Applications submitted to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) last September outline sub-constellations orbiting at altitudes between 500 and 1,145 kilometers.
Details on the manufacturers and launch timelines remain undisclosed. Prior announcements indicate the satellites will provide high-speed internet to rural China and enhance communications along the New Silk Road initiative.
These constellations will join prominent projects like SpaceX's Starlink, which aims for global high-speed internet coverage and funds initiatives such as the Starship program.
SpaceX has launched 1,737 of its planned 12,000 Starlink satellites, with ITU filings suggesting potential expansion beyond 30,000. The constellation is in testing, with full commercial service slated for later this year.
Amazon's Project Kuiper plans 3,236 low-Earth orbit satellites. The company secured nine launches with United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rockets from Cape Canaveral, Florida, though payload capacity per launch and initial dates are pending.
