China Launches 10 Internet Satellites in First Step toward Guowang Constellation
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – China has taken its first step toward building the Guowang satellite constellation, launching 10 internet satellites into orbit on Monday to compete with SpaceX's Starlink for global high-speed internet coverage.
The first group of Guowang internet satellites was launched on Monday aboard a Long March 5B rocket from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan Province, southern China.
The satellites are part of a larger plan to deploy 13,000 satellites over the next decade to deliver low-latency, high-speed internet worldwide, mirroring SpaceX's Starlink network.
The Long March 5B rocket lifted off at 5 a.m. local time, successfully placing the satellites into orbit after separating from its boosters and main stage.
According to publicly released data, the satellites entered an orbit 1,100 kilometers above Earth, with an inclination of 86.5 degrees to the equator.
China has so far provided few details about the satellites' design or capabilities.
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) and its subsidiary, the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), developed the Guowang satellites.
The project, named "Guowang" or "National Network," is overseen by China SatNet, a state-run company established in 2021.
Analysts believe the initiative is aimed at competing with Starlink, which, in addition to providing internet services, has demonstrated military utility.
U.S. officials have expressed concerns over China's growing space capabilities.
"This is part of China's efforts to develop space-based capabilities and achieve military superiority," said Gen. Stephen Whiting, commander of U.S. Space Command.
"Such satellite constellations are hard to disable and can provide a significant strategic advantage," he added.
The International Telecommunication Union has set a deadline for China to launch 6,496 satellites—half of the Guowang constellation—by 2032.
However, the rapid increase in satellites orbiting Earth raises concerns over space safety and the risk of collisions.
"We are closely monitoring China's launches and working to ensure space safety standards are upheld," Whiting said.
While China has yet to share detailed plans for Guowang, its development signals the country’s determination to establish a competitive presence in the space-based internet sector.
