Is This China’s Starlink? New Satellite Launch Raises Big Questions!

BY:SpaceEyeNews

A Strategic Leap: China’s Latest Satellite Deployment

On April 1, 2025, at precisely 12:00 p.m. Beijing Time, China marked a significant milestone in its space endeavors by launching four experimental satellites from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert. The Long March 2D rocket ascended into clear skies, carrying satellites designated 0001 through 0004 into their planned orbits. This mission, confirmed as successful by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), represents a pivotal step in China’s pursuit of advanced satellite internet capabilities.

Is This China’s Starlink? New Satellite Launch Raises Big Questions!

Unpacking the Payload: Details and Deliberations

The satellites, equipped with Ka-band and other frequency payloads, are intended for technical tests and verification related to direct-to-cell satellite broadband and space-ground network integration. Commercial satellite manufacturers Changguang Satellite Technology and Galaxy Space each contributed two satellites to this mission. However, specific details about the satellites’ designs and capabilities remain undisclosed, reflecting a pattern of limited transparency in China’s space initiatives. ​

Technological Ambitions: Direct-to-Cell Connectivity and Network Integration

The primary objectives of these satellites include testing technologies for direct-to-cell satellite broadband connections and the integration of space-ground networks. Achieving seamless connectivity between satellites and terrestrial networks is crucial for providing consistent and reliable internet services, especially in remote areas. These tests are expected to inform the development of future satellite constellations capable of delivering high-speed internet directly to users’ devices without intermediary ground stations. ​

A Pattern Emerges: The Sixth in a Series of Test Launches

This launch marks the sixth in a series of “satellite Internet technology test satellite” missions initiated by China since July 2023. Previous missions employed various launch vehicles, including the Long March 2C and the newer Long March 12 rockets, each carrying between one to three satellites. The consistent cadence of these launches suggests a systematic approach to testing and refining satellite internet technologies, potentially laying the groundwork for more extensive networks. ​

Connecting the Dots: Relation to Guowang and Qianfan Constellations

China’s broader ambitions encompass the development of two major low Earth orbit (LEO) megaconstellations: Guowang and Qianfan (also known as Thousand Sails). Guowang aims to provide global communications coverage from LEO and is seen as a response to Starlink and other constellations. Despite the ostensibly civilian focus of the Guowang constellation, the availability of details regarding the project is limited. The relationship between the recent test satellites and these larger projects remains speculative, but it’s plausible that these missions serve as precursors or technology demonstrators for the expansive constellations.​SpaceNews

The Veil of Secrecy: Implications and Speculations

The limited information released about these satellites fuels speculation regarding their potential applications. Observers suggest that, beyond civilian uses, these technologies could have military or dual-use purposes, aligning with China’s strategy of integrating civilian and military technological advancements. The absence of detailed disclosures makes it challenging to assess the full scope and intent of these satellite missions. ​

Beyond Low Earth Orbit: China’s Expanding Space Infrastructure

In addition to LEO initiatives, China has been enhancing its high-orbit communications infrastructure. Throughout 2024, the country launched multiple high-orbit internet satellites operating in geostationary orbit. These efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to integrate communications, navigation, and remote sensing capabilities, thereby establishing a robust and multifaceted space-based information network. ​

A Year of Ambition: China’s 2025 Spaceflight Agenda

The April 1 launch represents China’s 17th orbital mission in 2025, underscoring an ambitious agenda that includes targeting over 100 launches within the year. This surge is driven by escalating commercial space activities, the deployment of megaconstellation projects, and advancements in reusable rocket technologies. Notable upcoming missions include the Shenzhou-20 and 21 human spaceflights to the Tiangong space station and the Tianwen-2 near-Earth asteroid sample return mission, reflecting China’s expanding presence in space exploration. ​

Strategic Implications: Pursuing Global Internet Sovereignty

Since 2020, China has prioritized “satellite internet” as a key component of its “new infrastructures,” aiming to secure sovereign access to space-based internet services and reduce reliance on foreign systems. The development of indigenous satellite constellations like Guowang and Qianfan is integral to this strategy, positioning China as a formidable competitor in the global satellite internet market and enhancing its geopolitical influence through technological self-reliance. ​

In summary, the recent launch of four internet technology test satellites signifies a deliberate and strategic effort by China to advance its capabilities in satellite-based internet services. While specific details remain scarce, the implications of these developments are profound, potentially reshaping the landscape of global internet connectivity and underscoring the critical role of space technology in contemporary geopolitical dynamics.

References:

https://spacenews.com/china-launches-internet-technology-test-satellites-with-long-march-2d/

https://english.news.cn/20250401/1e3a2d46087e4356a9aa46a7dd0de86a/c.html