[Anchor]
China has launched 18 satellites into low Earth orbit for the first time, announcing its plans to start satellite communication services worldwide.
Challenging the already operational Starlink in the U.S. and OneWeb in the U.K., this is also seen as a strategic move reflecting the competition with the U.S.
This is Beijing correspondent Baesamjin.
[Reporter]
A rocket roaring into the sky with a thunderous sound.
China has launched low Earth orbit satellites for the first time to provide its own internet network worldwide, competing against the U.S.’ Starlink.
In space, 18 satellites move in a line aiming for orbit, with plans to launch a total of 648 satellites by the end of this year and 1,548 satellites by 2030.
The goal is to establish global network coverage by 2027 and deploy 15,000 satellites by 2030.
Ruben, Vice President of China Shanghai Aerospace Communication Satellite Technology Company, said, “In the first phase, we plan to send a total of 1,296 satellites. Once completed, we can completely cover the world and interconnect Earth to provide various commercial services.”
China is now earnestly entering the global low Earth orbit satellite communication business dominated by companies like SpaceX, OneWeb, and Amazon.
The purpose is to provide high-speed internet services in remote and underserved areas where land-based mobile communication is limited, covering only 6% of the Earth’s surface.
Immediate targets for the initial service include inland China, Central Asia, Africa, South America, and undeveloped countries in the Pacific region.
This move is also interpreted as a measure considering the strategic military competition with the U.S.
Jushiaocheng, Deputy Director of China’s ‘G60 Starlink’ project, said, “This is an extension of terrestrial internet. It will expand the communication network to immediately connect to the internet system in case of geological disasters and emergencies.”
China has established a production system to supply more than 300 low Earth orbit satellites annually.
With the essential need for low Earth orbit satellites for smooth implementation of autonomous driving and urban air mobility, fierce competition among countries is expected to intensify as China joins the low Earth orbit satellite communication business.
This is Baesamjin reporting from Beijing for Yonhap News TV. ([email protected])
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