China has a $943,000,000 ‘megaconstellation’ plan with 13,000 satellites that will rival Elon Musk’s Starlink

The plan is set to plug some gaps in Starlink’s coverage

China is launching its own satellite ‘megaconstellation’, which is set to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink.

Despite our modern-day technology, will still sometimes have to deal with slow internet connection. First-world problems, I know…

Musk’s SpaceX was the first space tech company to launch low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites in an attempt to solve this problem.

A handful of Starlink satellites were first launched in 2019, positioned just 340 miles above our planet’s surface level. In comparison, geostationary satellites favored by traditional internet providers are only operational at an altitude of around 22,236 miles.

There will one day be more than 40,000 Starlinks in the sky (John Keeble/Getty Images)

There will one day be more than 40,000 Starlinks in the sky (John Keeble/Getty Images)

That’s a staggering difference, and its LEO’s proximity to Earth that gives us more reliable network coverage.

It allows Starlink to improve internet speed and reduce latency levels, while covering larger areas.

Now, China are launching their own so-called megaconstellations, with Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) raising $943 million (6.7 billion yuan) for a new initiative.

The satellite project in question is dubbed G60 and, like Starlink, uses LEO to beam data back down to us.

Some 12,000 satellites were projected to be launched in 2024, with a total of 12,000 set to be live in total.

The light blue countries have access to Starlink, while dark blue means it's rolling out soon and brown means the service isn't currently available (Starlink/SpaceX)

The light blue countries have access to Starlink, while dark blue means it’s rolling out soon and brown means the service isn’t currently available (Starlink/SpaceX)

Meanwhile, satellite network group China SatNet is also reportedly set to launch its own system, called Guowang, meaning ‘national network.’

Like G60 and Starlink, it aims to provide global broadband internet coverage and support the country’s growing digital economy.

If they really do want to rival Musk, though, then they’re a bit behind.

Starlink already has more than 6,000 satellites in orbit, serving some four million customers across the globe.

There are currently more than 6,000 of their satellites in orbit, accessible in 100 different countries. And SpaceX plans to launch as many as 42,000 Starlinks in the future.

Although China’s new projects can most definitely plug a gap in Starlink’s coverage.

A group of Starlink satellites spotted over Uruguay (MARIANA SUAREZ/AFP via Getty Images)

A group of Starlink satellites spotted over Uruguay (MARIANA SUAREZ/AFP via Getty Images)

Starlink has no operating licence in China, while a number of other countries – like South Africa, Cameroon, and Brazil – has moved to block the service provider.

Last month, Chinese state media said SpaceSail, the company behind the G60 constellation, agreed with Brazilian state-owned group Telebrás to provide satellite communications and broadband internet services over the country.

As the technology battle between the US and China expands, so too do tensions surrounding trade materials.

China just cost the US $34 million a decade after banning rare earth minerals used in EV batteries last month. The shipping of gallium, germanium, antimony and superhard materials will be stopped.

Related Posts

Impact on oath after Donald Trump didn’t put hand on Bible while being sworn in

The president didn’t touch either of the two Bibles presented before him while he took his oath People have been wondering if Donald Trump’s decision not to…

All executive orders Donald Trump has already signed just hours into presidency

Donald Trump has wasted no time since being sworn in as the 47th President of the United States The White House’s website states 25 executive orders have…

Grandma’s Final Lesson – The Seeds of Love and Hope

After a painful divorce, I arrived at my shunned grandmother Helen’s home for her 80th birthday, seeking solace. Her wisdom, “Life’s like a garden,” felt oddly prophetic….

Eat four dates a day: Nature’s candy packed with nutritional power

Dates are more than just nature’s candy; they’re little bites of pure sweetness with a texture and flavor that’s hard to resist. These caramel-like fruits have been loved for centuries, not only…

Music Teacher Offers Free Lessons to ‘Poor’ Boy, Then Discovers His Father’s True Identity — Story of the Day

A former pianist turned school teacher, Lily begins teaching piano to Jay, a talented boy she believes comes from a poor family. Her efforts to nurture his…

Every Night, My Late Grandpa Spoke to Me in a Dream: ‘Check the Red Box In My Basement!’ – One Day, I Finally Did

When my grandpa passed away, I thought the hardest part would be moving on. I never expected him to start visiting me in my dreams with the…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *