China is confronting quite the challenge as it endeavors to catch up with Elon Musk’s SpaceX and their satellite service. SpaceX’s Starlink already boasts nearly 7,000 active satellites circling the Earth, providing high-speed internet to an impressive 5 million customers across more than 100 countries. This service primarily aims to deliver internet access to remote or underserved regions.
SpaceX has ambitious plans to expand their network to around 42,000 satellites. Meanwhile, China is setting its sights on building a similar massive network, targeting approximately 38,000 satellites through three key low Earth orbit internet projects: Qianfan, Guo Wang, and Honghu-3.
But it’s not just SpaceX making strides in this domain. Eutelsat OneWeb, based in Europe, has successfully launched more than 630 low Earth orbit internet satellites. Meanwhile, Amazon is also gearing up for its own substantial low Earth orbit project, known as Project Kuiper, which is envisioned to include over 3,000 satellites. However, for now, they’ve only managed to launch two prototypes.
Given the intense competition, it raises the question: Why is China investing heavily in these megaconstellations? Steve Feldstein, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, notes Starlink’s success in providing unfettered internet access to those in remote areas. This capability allows users to access any sites or apps they desire.
Feldstein highlights a significant concern for China, which has been focused on controlling and censoring internet content accessible to its citizens. “If Starlink can offer uncensored content to our citizens, or those in allied nations, it could undermine our censorship efforts,” he explains. As a result, China feels compelled to develop its own alternatives.
Blaine Curcio, founder of Orbital Gateway Consulting, also weighs in, suggesting that China might use this capability as a point of differentiation in certain markets. “Even if we lag in market entry, we’ll ensure strict internet controls with a friendly demeanor if that’s what’s desired,” he adds with some irony.
Experts acknowledge that while Chinese constellations may not appeal as the primary internet provider to the U.S., Western Europe, Canada, and other U.S. allies, other regions could welcome a service led by China. Juliana Suess, an associate at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs, points out several areas where a Chinese competitor could thrive. “Russia, Afghanistan, Syria, and vast parts of Africa aren’t yet connected by Starlink,” she observes.
Moreover, Suess notes that Huawei has already built 70% of the 4G infrastructure across Africa. Developing a space-based internet could strengthen their presence and influence in these regions further.
Beyond geopolitical objectives, maintaining a proprietary satellite internet network is becoming vital for national security, particularly when traditional internet infrastructures are vulnerable during conflicts. Feldstein remarks on the pivotal role Starlink played in Ukraine, particularly in the rise of drone warfare and the connected battlefield concept. “This underscores the importance of having satellite-based capabilities as a crucial military edge,” he asserts.
It’s clear that China views investment in satellite networks as essential to achieving its national security ambitions.
Stay tuned for more insights on why China is making such bold moves in the satellite arena and the hurdles it might encounter along the way.
