China is reportedly planning to launch its own satellite constellation to counter SpaceX’s Starlink network and secure advantages in the lower orbit. The Chinese satellites may also contain anti-Starlink instruments. SpaceX aims to build a network of around 40,000 small satellites to provide global internet access, with 3,376 Starlink satellites already in orbit by the end of 2022. The company has been granted permission for 19,427 satellites and has applied for another 22,488, which are yet to be approved. However, the astronomical community has raised concerns about the impact of such a large number of satellites on space observation. China has also filed a complaint against SpaceX with the United Nations, citing the need for its space station to take evasive action due to Starlink satellites.
According to the South China Morning Post, China is planning to install its own satellite network to counter Starlink in the lower orbit and provide internet access worldwide. The project, codenamed “GW,” is expected to consist of 12,992 satellites in its final stage, roughly equivalent to the number of satellites Starlink plans to have by 2027. The Chinese government has not yet released a specific timeline for the project, but it aims to launch the satellites quickly before Starlink is fully deployed. The satellites are expected to orbit in areas where Starlink satellites are not yet present, providing China with an advantage in the lower orbit. The Chinese satellites may also contain anti-Starlink instruments, allowing China to monitor and spy on SpaceX’s satellites.
China has long viewed the Starlink constellation as critical due to its potential military applications, as demonstrated in the recent conflict in Ukraine. The Chinese government is concerned that Starlink could be used to attack its infrastructure in space and has called for the development of methods to attack Starlink satellites in the event of a war. In 2022, Chinese researchers simulated an atomic attack on Starlink satellites, highlighting the country’s determination to counter the US-based network. The Chinese government’s plan to launch its own satellite network is seen as a significant step towards securing its position in the lower orbit and countering the perceived threat from Starlink.
