Introduction
Before the limited orbital and frequency resources are fully occupied, we must strive for more “space assets” and discourse power in space for our country. In the first half of 2025, the launch pace of China Star Network was relatively slow, averaging one to two satellite launches every one to two months. However, starting in July, the launch speed of China Star Network significantly accelerated.
Recently, the China Star Network GW constellation has conducted a series of intensive satellite launches using Long March rockets, significantly speeding up the launch process and entering the stage of large-scale networking. This may be a competition for space discourse power, a necessary step for national strategic security.
From late July to mid-August, the China Star Network GW constellation launched multiple batches of satellites in a “short interval” and “high frequency” manner, completing several networking launches within just twenty days. This rapid series of launches increased the total number of satellites in the China Star Network GW constellation from 34 before July to 72, marking the official acceleration of our satellite IoT construction.
The stability of early technical accumulation and the collaborative capabilities of the manufacturing and launch systems are being well demonstrated in this space race.
According to relevant media reports, our country is advancing two large low-orbit satellite constellation projects: one is the aforementioned China Star Network GW constellation, and the other is the Shanghai Yuanxin Qianfan constellation. According to plans, the total number of satellites for the two projects is expected to be 13,000 and 15,000, respectively. Together, these two projects form an important cornerstone of our satellite internet.
In the first half of 2025, the launch pace of China Star Network was relatively slow, averaging one to two satellite launches every one to two months. However, starting in July, the launch speed of China Star Network significantly accelerated. Within just 22 days from July 27 to August 17, five batches of satellite launch tasks were completed consecutively, attracting widespread attention from the industry.
What factors are driving the acceleration of satellite launches?
Experts believe that there may be two main factors at play.
On one hand, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has a primary allocation mechanism for satellite frequencies and orbital resources that is “first come, first served.” The resources in low Earth orbit and advantageous communication frequency bands are limited and non-renewable. Additionally, the ITU stipulates that within nine years of submitting a constellation plan, 10% of the satellites must be launched. To avoid project reductions or cancellations, multiple batches of intensive satellite launches have emerged.
Before the limited orbital and frequency resources are fully occupied, we must strive for more “space assets” and discourse power in space. The global low-orbit capacity is only about 60,000 satellites, while China plans to deploy 15,000, making it second only to SpaceX’s Starlink, which currently has over 7,000 satellites. According to the plan, by the end of 2025: 648 satellites will achieve regional networking operations, by 2026: coverage will include border areas and islands nationwide, and by 2030, the “Qianfan Constellation” will exceed 15,000 satellites providing global services.
On the other hand, China Star Network plans to complete the first generation of constellation networking this year to meet the needs of core areas such as diplomacy, ensuring that an independent satellite internet system can be used in emergencies. Having a self-controlled satellite internet means that in areas involving national security and public safety, such as emergency communication, disaster prevention and reduction, and maritime navigation, communication guarantees can be provided without being limited by ground infrastructure, meeting the needs of national strategic security.
So, how is such a dense launch pace achieved?
The answer lies in technological advancements. Through modular design and robotic assembly processes, relevant data shows that the satellite development cycle has been shortened by 80%, and costs have been significantly reduced.
The rocket launch capabilities are also improving, and launch costs have decreased. The combination of the Long March 5B Y2 rocket and the YZ-2 second-stage power unit has achieved “one rocket, multiple satellites + space trajectory change.” The launch cost has dropped to $5,000 per kilogram, which is 30% lower than the international average, laying the foundation for the “Ten Thousand Star Plan.”
The process of mobile terminal direct connection to satellite internet is also accelerating.
According to reports, on August 27, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued the “Guiding Opinions on Optimizing Business Access to Promote the Development of the Satellite Communication Industry.” It mentioned support for the accelerated development of low-orbit satellite internet, support for direct connection of terminal devices to satellite services, and support for exploring new types of satellite communication services.
The document also revealed that the goal is to develop over 10 million satellite communication users by 2030. This will greatly “feed back” the satellite constellation launches, providing them with inexhaustible momentum.
At the same time, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will soon officially issue satellite internet licenses to three major telecommunications operators, further promoting telecom operators to expand into emerging business areas and seek new growth points.
Perhaps, in the near future, lost travelers will also be able to find their way through satellite internet communication, and emergency response speeds in the face of natural disasters will no longer be delayed, while the national strategic security index continues to rise. Technology is making the world a better place!
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