China Launches 18 Satellites in Single Day to Compete with Starlink
Beijing sends new batch of Qianfan satellite network satellites into space, reflecting accelerated efforts to build massive satellite internet network rivaling U.S. Starlink
China launched 18 new satellites for its Qianfan network in less than 24 hours, a move described in reports as a significant acceleration in Beijing's efforts to construct a massive constellation of satellites dedicated to internet services.
These launches come as China seeks to catch up with the lead held by American company Starlink, operated by billionaire Elon Musk, which currently represents the world's most prominent satellite internet provider using low-Earth orbit satellites.
Through the Qianfan project, Beijing aims to send thousands of satellites into space to form a global communications network, attempting to narrow the gap with American companies that currently dominate this sector.
Observers see the recent acceleration in the pace of Chinese launches as reflecting Beijing's determination to strengthen its position in the commercial space race, which is witnessing increasing competition among nations and major companies for control of low-Earth orbit slots and satellite internet services.
Sources
- 18 قمرا في يوم.. هل تهدد الصين عرش "ستارلينك"؟ — Sky News Arabia — Technology
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
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