China’s private space company, Geespace, has successfully deployed the first phase of its Internet of Things (IoT) satellite constellation, now comprising 64 satellites. This new satellite constellation allows real-time communication across the globe, covering almost all regions except for the poles, marking a significant milestone in space-based connectivity.
First-Phase Satellite Constellation Achieves Global Communication
The deployment followed a recent rocket launch from the sea in East China’s Shandong province. During this mission, 11 Geely-06 satellites were placed into a predetermined orbit. Over six launches conducted from 2022 to 2025, Geespace has now ensured full satellite reliability and high network availability for its users.
The satellite constellation is designed to serve up to 20 million users worldwide. It can manage an impressive 340 million messages per day, catering to 5 million high-frequency users and 15 million medium- to low-frequency users. The network transmits 1,900-byte data packets, supporting text, voice, and images, which allows smooth communication even in areas where traditional networks are unavailable.
The network is expected to expand to 72 satellites soon, further increasing its capacity and improving reliability. Phase Two of the satellite constellation aims to deploy 264 satellites for direct-to-smartphone connectivity. In Phase Three, Geespace plans to have a total of 5,676 satellites, enabling global broadband coverage. With Phase One now complete, the company is ready to roll out commercial satellite-IoT services to users worldwide.
Enabling Connected Vehicles and Industrial Applications
The satellite constellation is built to support connected-vehicle networks, providing continuous real-time positioning and messaging. This ensures vehicles remain connected even in remote areas without ground networks. Currently, some Geely Zeekr and Galaxy electric vehicles are equipped with this technology, allowing users to send and receive messages directly through the satellite constellation when terrestrial networks are disrupted.
Geespace has partnered with major companies including China Unicom, Geely Auto, and construction machinery giant Zoomlion. Together, they are testing satellite-IoT integration in smart vehicles, marine fisheries, heavy machinery, and logistics. This enables multiple industries to access real-time data, improving efficiency, safety, and operational reliability.
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For heavy machinery and industrial devices, the network can operate in a low-frequency, ultra-low-power mode. This reduces operational costs and extends battery life for satellite-supported devices. In emergency situations, the network can prioritize communications by switching to dedicated channels for instant response.
China Unicom, holding the country’s direct-to-phone satellite license, conducted a successful field trial in February using Geely satellites. The trial demonstrated a two-way “vehicle-satellite-platform” link, confirming the practical value of the satellite constellation for connected cars and emergency communications.
Global Expansion and Advanced Production
Geespace is also expanding its reach internationally, signing agreements with telecommunications companies in more than 20 countries. In June 2024, the satellite constellation carried out its first overseas commercial trial in Oman, highlighting its potential for practical applications outside China.
To support large-scale satellite production, Geespace built an intelligent satellite gigafactory in Taizhou, Eastern China. This facility has reduced the build time for a satellite to just 28 days, increased output tenfold, and significantly lowered production costs.
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Additionally, Geespace has set up a joint laboratory with Peking University to develop next-generation communication technologies and smart-computing solutions. An experimental satellite from this laboratory was launched alongside the latest Geely-06 satellites, showcasing the firm’s focus on innovation and technological integration.
The first-phase satellite constellation deployment represents a key achievement in China’s space-based IoT capabilities. By combining satellite communication with connected vehicles, industrial machinery, and global networks, Geespace is enabling real-time, global connectivity on an unprecedented scale.
