China has taken a significant step in expanding its space endeavors by launching the first segment of the Guowang, or “national network,” satellite constellation from the island of Hainan.
On December 16, 2024, a Long March 5B rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Center, successfully carrying 10 broadband satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). Despite their significant size, specific details about the satellites’ mass or dimensions were not disclosed. However, the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), responsible for the Long March series, confirmed the mission’s success, stating that the satellites “entered the predetermined orbit smoothly.”
Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell and the U.S. Space Force reported the satellites’ deployment in 1097 x 1110 km orbits at an inclination of 86.5 degrees. McDowell commended the U.S. Space Force on social media for their swift cataloging of the newly deployed satellites.
The Guowang constellation is part of a larger plan to deploy nearly 13,000 satellites, contributing to broader global internet access capabilities. Developed by China Satnet, a company established by the Chinese government in 2021, Guowang is set to enhance China’s prominent presence in space-based internet technology. The constellation aims to provide substantial broadband coverage, paralleling similar efforts by other global entities such as SpaceX’s Starlink.
Qianfan, another extensive Chinese satellite network, is also underway, with 54 satellites in orbit across three missions completed this year. Both Guowang and Qianfan are expected to provide significant competition to existing networks like Starlink, which has rapidly expanded its constellation with over 6,800 active satellites.
Interestingly, this mission marked a departure from previous Long March 5B launches, which faced criticism due to the uncontrolled reentry of its core stage. The December 16 launch utilized an upper stage, YZ-2, to ensure the proper placement of satellites, effectively addressing safety concerns raised by the international space community.
The deployment of the first batch of Guowang satellites marks a promising start to China’s ambitious project aimed at enhancing global broadband connectivity. By strategically bolstering its satellite networks, China is positioning itself as a formidable player in the space-based internet sector.
Source: Space
