On December 16, 2024, China successfully launched the first group of satellites for the Guovang satellite network, aimed at competing with SpaceX's Starlink system. The launch took place at the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan Province, using a Long March-5B rocket carrying the Yüencıng-2 payload.
The satellites are expected to settle into their designated positions in low Earth orbit. This mission marks the 552nd successful flight of the Long March rocket series.
The Guovang network, meaning 'national network' in Chinese, was first proposed in 2020 when China applied to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to establish a large satellite constellation. The project is managed by the China Satellite Network Group Company, which was formed in 2021 under the State Council.
A total of 13,000 satellites are planned for deployment in low Earth orbit by 2035. According to ITU regulations, satellite network operators must meet specific deployment thresholds within designated timeframes to secure frequency rights.
For the Guovang project, 1,300 satellites, representing 10% of the network, must be launched by the end of 2029, with 6,500 satellites, or 50%, set to be in orbit by 2035.
In addition to Guovang, China is also developing another satellite network called 'Qienfan' (Space Sail), which aims to establish a mega constellation of 14,000 broadband internet satellites in low Earth orbit. The first group of Qienfan satellites was launched on August 6, followed by additional groups on October 15 and December 5.
The proliferation of satellite constellations in low Earth orbit raises concerns about potential congestion and space debris resulting from defunct satellites.