In a bid to rival Starlink, a state-backed Chinese company, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, has successfully launched its first 18 satellites. The company aims to build a vast orbital network, known as the “Thousand Sails Constellation,” which will eventually consist of 15,000 satellites orbiting in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by 2030. This project has been described as the Chinese version of Starlink, which currently operates around 6,000 satellites, with Elon Musk’s plan to host a network of 42,000 satellites in the future.
Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology is backed by the Shanghai municipal government, but it has also raised funds from private investors and state-owned enterprises for its ambitious Thousand Sails Constellation project. The Chinese government has been actively involving the private sector in its science and technology goals, aiming to create self-reliant industries and reduce dependency on foreign technologies. The Thousand Sails Constellation is just one of three major satellite networks planned in China, with each expected to deploy 10,000 or more satellites.
China SpaceSat, a contractor owned by a state-run enterprise, is set to launch 13,000 satellites as part of its Guowang, or National Network, constellation. Additionally, commercial manufacturer Landray Hongqing is working on the Crane-3 constellation, which is projected to have 10,000 satellites in orbit. These initiatives have been fueled by a recent push from the Chinese government to boost the country’s space industry and develop crucial technologies and infrastructure. The goal is to ensure that Chinese industries are self-reliant and capable of withstanding foreign influences or potential conflicts.
The China Securities Journal has estimated that the country’s space industry will be valued at $321 billion by 2024, reflecting the significant growth and investment in the sector. The recent satellite launches have also had a notable impact on the stock market, with commercial aerospace stocks experiencing maximum daily price increases. The surge in the stock market reflects the growing interest and confidence in China’s space industry and its potential for future development.
The rise of Chinese satellite constellations, such as the Thousand Sails Constellation and other planned networks, represents a significant milestone in the country’s space exploration and technology development. With ambitious plans for thousands of satellites in orbit and substantial government support, China is poised to establish itself as a major player in the global space industry. The successful launch of the first 18 satellites by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology signals the beginning of a new era in Chinese space exploration and satellite technology.
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