Key Takeaway
China is advancing its space capabilities through state-owned China SatNet, which aims to create Guowang, a military-capable megaconstellation. The company has launched 60 of its planned 13,000 satellites. Additionally, Qianfan, backed by the Shanghai government, has deployed 90 satellites of a projected 15,000, targeting markets in Central Asia and a deal with Brazil. Chinese researchers have simulated Starlink’s capabilities, confirming its ability to provide continuous coverage over Beijing. This development raises concerns about potential collateral damage to Starlink users globally, as the same satellites could serve multiple regions, including Europe and the U.S.
China’s Alternative Development
Beijing has established the state-owned China SatNet company to develop Guowang, a competing megaconstellation with military capabilities.
The company launched its first operational satellites in December and currently has 60 of a planned 13,000 satellites in orbit.
Meanwhile, Qianfan, a company supported by the Shanghai government, has launched 90 satellites out of an anticipated 15,000, targeting customers in Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan.
The Brazilian government announced a partnership with Qianfan in November, following a public dispute between Musk and a Brazilian judge investigating X.
By simulating Starlink’s capabilities, Chinese researchers have determined that its network can provide round-the-clock coverage of Beijing, even though it does not operate within China’s borders.
“The coverage capacity of the Starlink constellation across all regions of the world is steadily improving and at a rapid pace,” they concluded.
The development of these countermeasures could heighten the risks of collateral damage to other Starlink customers globally, as the same satellites serving China may also serve Europe, Ukraine, the United States, and other regions.
