China’s Bold SSST Satellite Launch
Significant progress was made on Monday when the Chinese state-owned company Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) launched the first group of satellites for its ambitious megaconstellation project. This launch marks a crucial step in China’s strategic plan to establish a satellite network capable of competing with Starlink, the prominent satellite constellation operated by a major U.S. company.
The launch took place at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre, a key facility in Shanxi, a northern province of China. This centre is one of China’s main hubs for satellite and missile launches, underscoring the importance of this mission. These satellites’ successful deployment kickstarts SSST’s “Thousand Sails Constellation” project, commonly referred to as the “G60 Starlink Plan.” The goal of this ambitious proposal is to build a vast satellite network that can compete with the current Starlink system.
The Thousand Sails Constellation
In terms of satellite technology, the “Thousand Sails Constellation” project is a radical advance. Begun last year, the initiative aims to establish a vast network of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. These satellites will orbit Earth at altitudes ranging from 300 kilometers to 2,000 kilometers. LEO satellites are preferred due to their cost-effectiveness and better transmission efficiency compared to satellites positioned at higher orbits. This is why SSST is focusing on deploying LEO satellites to build its network.
There are presently over 5,500 satellites in orbit for Starlink, which is run by a well-known billionaire in the United States. This extensive network provides global internet coverage and has a significant user base, particularly in the United States. Starlink also plans to further expand its network, adding tens of thousands more satellites in the near future.
In contrast, SSST’s “Thousand Sails Constellation” aims to surpass this by deploying over 15,000 LEO satellites. The scale of SSST’s plan is ambitious, reflecting China’s commitment to developing a satellite network that can rival, and potentially surpass, Starlink’s existing capabilities. By focusing on LEO satellites, SSST hopes to achieve high efficiency in data transmission and coverage, presenting a formidable challenge to the current satellite leader.
Strategic and Military Implications
The deployment of such a large number of satellites extends beyond commercial interests and has significant strategic and military implications. Over the past two years, researchers from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have been studying the impact of Starlink’s satellite network, particularly its role in conflicts like the war in Ukraine. These studies have raised concerns about the potential risks that satellite networks like Starlink pose, especially if China were to find itself in a military conflict with the United States.
In January, an article published in a PLA-affiliated publication highlighted the deployment of Starlink as a “serious threat” to the security of space assets globally. This concern underscores the growing awareness of the strategic importance of satellite networks in modern military strategies. The ability to deploy and control large networks of satellites can have profound implications for national security, communication, and space dominance.
China’s “Thousand Sails Constellation” is part of a broader effort to enhance its capabilities and close the technological gap with leading satellite networks like Starlink. SSST’s plan includes launching 108 satellites this year, expanding to 648 satellites by the end of 2025, and achieving full global network coverage by 2027. The ultimate goal is to deploy a total of 15,000 satellites by 2030, showcasing China’s dedication to advancing its space technology and strategic positioning.
The successful launch of the initial batch of satellites is a key milestone in China’s space ambitions. It marks the beginning of what could become a major shift in the global satellite communications landscape. As SSST continues to roll out its “Thousand Sails Constellation,” it will play a crucial role in shaping the future of satellite technology and space strategy.
China’s new satellite megaconstellation represents a significant advancement in space technology and a direct challenge to the dominance of Starlink. With its ambitious plans and strategic implications, this development is set to influence the global space landscape in the coming years.
