Geespace, a subsidiary of Geely Technology Group, has launched a third batch of satellites aimed at creating a mega constellation similar to SpaceX’s Starlink. This launch, conducted from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre in Shanxi province, places Geespace in direct competition with Elon Musk’s Starlink by establishing a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network. The recent deployment brings the total number of satellites in Geespace’s constellation to 30, providing 24-hour global communication coverage.
LEO satellites, operating at altitudes between 300 to 2,000 km, are advantageous due to their cost-effectiveness and efficient transmission capabilities compared to higher orbit satellites. Geespace’s constellation now covers 90% of the globe, marking a significant milestone as the first Chinese commercial aerospace company to offer such extensive LEO satellite communication services globally.
Geespace has ambitious plans to expand its constellation. The first phase aims to deploy 72 satellites to service over 200 million users by the end of 2025. Subsequent phases include adding 264 satellites for mobile communications and 5,676 satellites for high-speed broadband, ultimately building a constellation of nearly 6,000 LEO satellites.
This launch aligns with the broader trend of Chinese firms entering the satellite broadband market. Another notable player, state-owned Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), recently launched LEO satellites for its “Thousand Sails Constellation” or “G60 Starlink Plan”. SSST plans to deploy 108 satellites this year, 648 by the end of 2025, and 15,000 by 2030.
Both Geespace and SSST’s initiatives reflect China’s strategic move to develop a robust presence in the global satellite communication market, challenging the dominance of SpaceX’s Starlink. These efforts are part of China’s broader aim to enhance its technological capabilities and ensure competitive positioning in space technology and communication sectors.
