China launches first satellites for GuoWang constellation

A batch of GuoWang satellites launched aboard a Long March-5B rocket from the Wenchang spaceport in southern China. Once in space, the satellites were successfully manoeuvred into their planned low-Earth orbit.

Chinese state agency Xinhua declared the mission a success, stating that 10 GuoWang satellites entered into their predetermined orbit.

GuoWang: A ‘national network’ for China

“GuoWang,” which translates to “national network,” was introduced in 2020 when China filed its ambitious plans with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The proposed constellation comprises nearly 13,000 satellites, rivalled globally only by SpaceX’s Starlink and similar projects. While China’s leadership hasn’t overtly mentioned SpaceX, industry experts see GuoWang as a direct counter to Western commercial space initiatives.

The GuoWang project is expected to fulfil technological and economic goals while also addressing critical national security concerns. The initiative underlines China’s continued ambition to close the technological gap with the West and establish itself as a leader in cutting-edge space developments.

However, many technical details about the GuoWang satellites remain shrouded in secrecy. China has not revealed the specific designs, capabilities, or next steps, other than confirming their function as essential broadband relay stations in the constellation.

The satellites were developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), which is a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). Both CAST and CASC are owned by the Chinese government, underscoring the project’s importance to state interests.

GuoWang joins other satellite investments by China

China’s GuoWang constellation is one of several investments the country is making in space-based internet capabilities.

Earlier this year, the nation launched the initial batch of satellites for another broadband-focused constellation known as Qianfan, or “Thousand Sails.” This initiative, while smaller and earlier in its rollout compared to GuoWang, is also ambitious in its scope. 

Chinese officials have provided more details about Qianfan, which is expected to begin with a deployment of roughly 1,300 satellites. Over time, that constellation could expand and rival even SpaceX in scale with up to 14,000 satellites.

While the interplay between GuoWang and Qianfan has not been fully clarified, experts speculate the two may collaborate to create complementary or partially overlapping services.

Global space satellite race

China’s increased satellite efforts come as the commercial race intensifies worldwide. 

Starlink, part of SpaceX, has established itself as the dominant force with tens of thousands of satellites already launched. Starlink has rapidly expanded its influence, bringing broadband connectivity to remote areas and even playing crucial roles in providing vital connectivity to war-torn countries such as Ukraine.

Other nations and private companies are also seeking to stake their claim. Amazon is developing its Kuiper system, while collaborative endeavours like the European Union’s Iris² project are underway. The competition is as much about technology and economic gain as it is about geopolitical influence in the increasingly contested domain of space.

For China, the constellation offers significant opportunities. With advanced broadband internet coverage across underserved areas, Beijing may enhance infrastructure and connectivity within its borders and expand its technological exports to developing nations. At the same time, the network bolsters national security by reducing China’s reliance on Western satellite infrastructure, where geopolitical tensions could create vulnerabilities.

While GuoWang is still in its infancy, its mere deployment raises crucial questions regarding governance, competition, and sustainability in Earth’s orbit. The race to deploy tens of thousands – or even hundreds of thousands – of satellites has already sparked concerns about crowding, orbital collisions, and the long-term implications of space debris.

As one of the world’s top spacefaring nations, China’s involvement in the constellation race increases the pressure on international agencies to address these risks. However, with state-backed projects like GuoWang operating within the opaque frameworks typical of Chinese government programmes, achieving globally coordinated solutions may prove a significant challenge.

A long way to go  

The successful launch of GuoWang’s first satellites marks a historic moment for China’s space ambitions, but it is only the beginning of a long and complex journey.

With an initial goal of nearly 13,000 satellites, China’s engineers face a herculean task, including challenges regarding hardware development, launch logistics, and managing low-Earth orbit traffic. 

Domestically, GuoWang could redefine connectivity standards in China, enabling better internet access in rural regions and driving economic growth. Internationally, its strategic impact could hinge on Beijing’s ability to gain users and markets outside of China, which may be hindered by geopolitical factors and competition from Starlink and other players.

Nevertheless, the latest launch underscores China’s determination to carve out its space among the stars—both figuratively and literally. Whether it can deliver on its massive promise remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the global race for space-based broadband dominance just became more intense.

See also: IRIS² satellites: EU safeguards Europe’s technological sovereignty

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Tags: china, connectivity, constellation, guowang, Networks, qianfan, satellites, space, telecoms