China successfully launched a satellite to test internet connection capabilities From space. The Asian giant aims to offer a service similar to that of Starlink, powered by a megaconstellation of thousands of satellites that will be deployed in low Earth orbit.
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) confirmed the launch of a Long March 2D rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. In accordance with ChinaDailythis one wore the satellite “Space-based Internet Technology Demonstrator””, which was designed by the Microsatellite Innovation Academy of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Although local media omitted details about the satellite, this is not the only launch carried out to carry out tests on this project. In July, China’s largest space contractor sent two satellites into space aboard a Long March 2C, a 43-meter rocket that will be used for future constellations.
The first signs of Chinese Starlink emerged in 2018, although it was not until 2020 that the Asian country requested a spectrum allocation from the International Telecommunications Union. It specified China’s intention to build and deploy two low-Earth orbit constellations. The project Guowang (GW) would be made up of 12,992 satelliteswhich would range between 500 and 1,145 km altitude operating in a variety of frequency bands.
Months later, Bao Weimin, director of the CASC Science and Technology Committee, said in an interview who were building the first satellites. Weimin stated that The State would be in charge of the planning and operation of the network Guowang through a new company.
China’s Starlink will be more powerful and have military capabilities
Plans to compete with Starlink gained strength during the first months of 2023, although the project no longer only included the internet offer. A report of South China Morning Post He detailed that the Chinese army will use the Guowang constellation to spy on its opponents.
These satellites They can be placed at orbital altitudes that Starlink has not reached and are capable of neutralizing the competition. Xu Can, a professor at Beijing Space Engineering University, explained that GW satellites can be equipped with anti-Starlink payloads. China believes SpaceX constellation watches over space and is at the service of the United States Department of Defense.
The professor revealed that the government has plans to build more powerful radars to identify and track Starlink satellites. If necessary, the army could neutralize them with laser beams or high-power microwaves. Xu Can indicated that the US can take advantage of Starlink’s orbital maneuverability to hit and destroy nearby targets in space.
At the moment there are no details about the specifications of these satellites or the date on which internet service will be available in China. The Asian country is working at full speed to have a constellation that can deal with Starlink. Two years ago, the government of that country accused SpaceX before the United Nations after an incident with the Tiangong Space Station.