China’s Satellite Internet Intensifies Space Race, Threatening Starlink Dominance
Chinese Network Targets Aviation, Navigation, and More Industries. It Challenging Starlink With Fewer Satellites and Wider Coverage
China has launched its first high-orbit satellite Internet, propelling itself into the forefront of the “China Satellite” arena and heightening the competitive landscape of the ongoing “Space Race.” This significant achievement, as reported by the state news agency Xinhua, positions China as a formidable contender against SpaceX’s Starlink.
Satellite Internet Service Poised for Rapid Advancements
Anticipated as a catalyst for swift advancements, this high-orbit satellite network is poised to usher in a robust satellite internet service, catering to a diverse range of industries. From aviation and navigation to emergency services and energy, the network is designed to serve within China’s borders and extend its reach across several nations participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.
China’s High-Throughput Satellites to Exceed 500 Gbps by 2025
Operated by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the network features high-throughput satellites, including ChinaSat 16, 19, and 26. Noteworthy for their expansive coverage, these satellites span China, parts of Russia, Southeast Asia, Mongolia, India, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative’s objectives, the cumulative capacity of China’s high-throughput satellites is projected to exceed 500 Gbps by 2025.
Alternative to SpaceX’s Starlink
In a comparative analysis, China’s high-orbit satellite network emerges as an efficient alternative to SpaceX’s Starlink. Boasting fewer satellites due to extended coverage capabilities, the system emphasizes heightened stability, especially during device transitions between satellites. Sun Yaohua, an associate professor in information and communication engineering at Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, underscores the resilience and maturity of China’s high-orbit system.
As the “Space Race” unfolds, Sun predicts a future trend of coordinated use between high- and low-orbit satellites. While acknowledging the advantages of low-orbit satellites, he emphasizes the pivotal role played by China’s mature high-orbit system in providing foundational coverage. Looking forward, he stresses the necessity for China to invest in low-orbit satellite networks for deploying 6G technology and competing effectively with Starlink in the dynamic space utilization landscape. Practical experience in satellite system maintenance and operation is deemed critical for China’s sustained progress in the satellite internet domain.
