BY:SpaceEyeNews.
Introduction
China targeting Musk’s Starlink with low-orbit satellite drive is becoming one of the most ambitious technology stories of the decade. Starlink, powered by SpaceX, already dominates with thousands of satellites and services in over 100 countries. Now, China is accelerating its own mega-constellation projects with bold government support and futuristic visions of connecting millions directly to satellites. But without reusable rockets, the challenge is steep. Can China bridge the cost gap, expand its reach, and achieve its 2030 goals?
China’s Bold Satellite Plans
China targeting Musk’s Starlink with low-orbit satellite drive begins with three distinct projects, each aiming to rival Starlink’s global scale.
Qianfan: Spacesail’s Ambitious Roadmap
The Qianfan project, also called Spacesail, is led by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology. Its roadmap includes 648 satellites for regional coverage by 2025, 1,296 for global coverage by 2027, and an ultimate buildout of 15,000 by 2030. Around 90 satellites are already in orbit, and the operator has opened talks with more than 30 countries to secure international partnerships.
Guowang: National Network Powerhouse
Guowang, or “National Networks,” is run by the state-owned China Satellite Network Group. Its plans target 13,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit, with 400 expected by 2027. By mid-2025, 72 satellites had already been launched. This project represents the official state-backed drive to place China on equal footing with Starlink.
Honghu-3: Private Ambitions Rising
A third project, Honghu-3, comes from Shanghai Lanjian Hongqing Technology, with private rocket maker LandSpace holding nearly 48% of the company. Its phased plan begins with 1,296 satellites, scaling up to more than 15,000 by 2030. While no satellites are in orbit yet, the ambition shows how private industry is stepping into this strategic sector.
Government Policy and Support
In 2025, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) published guidelines urging telecom carriers to cooperate with satellite operators, co-build infrastructure, and prioritize direct-to-device services. These include mobile phones, aircraft, ships, and the Internet of Things (IoT). By 2030, the goal is to connect over 10 million users, placing satellite internet alongside fiber and 5G as essential national infrastructure.
The Reusable Rocket Challenge
China targeting Musk’s Starlink with low-orbit satellite drive faces its most pressing obstacle: rockets. SpaceX’s mastery of reusable launch vehicles gives Starlink a decisive cost advantage.
SpaceX’s Winning Formula
Starlink’s progress is fueled by Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets, which are reusable and dramatically cut launch expenses. In October 2024, SpaceX even caught a returning Super Heavy booster using its launch tower “chopsticks.” The company now estimates launch costs at $2,700–$3,000 per kilogram. With Starship, these costs may fall to as little as $13–$32 per kilogram, a potential revolution in space economics.
China’s Current Situation
By comparison, China relies on expendable rockets such as the Long March 8A. On August 25, 2025, the rocket completed its third mission from Hainan, placing Guowang satellites into orbit. Despite using upgraded YF-75H hydrogen engines and larger payload fairings, the 8A remains single-use, making every launch costly.
Industry experts note that in some cases, the cost of launching Chinese satellites exceeds their manufacturing cost. Jiang Luye, CTO at Xingsuo Technology, confirmed that launch is the most expensive part of the supply chain, stressing the urgent need for reusable designs.
Future Prospects
China has announced a reusable version of the Long March 8, but progress has been delayed. Private companies like LandSpace and Xingsuo are testing liquid-fueled reusable rockets, but these remain in early stages. Without them, China risks slower deployment, higher costs, and fewer orbital slots as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) assigns frequencies on a first-come basis.
Reliability and Global Stakes
China targeting Musk’s Starlink with low-orbit satellite drive is not just about numbers—it’s about performance and international positioning.
Reliability Concerns
Qianfan’s early satellites revealed a higher-than-expected failure rate, with around 14% suffering orbit irregularities compared to Starlink’s loss rate below 0.5%. The difference matters when scaling to thousands of satellites, as failed units increase the risk of orbital debris. Unlike Starlink’s lower-altitude design, which allows natural de-orbiting within years, some Chinese satellites orbit higher, raising concerns about long-term congestion.
Limited International Partnerships
Starlink already operates across more than 100 countries. China’s footprint remains small, with limited deals secured in Brazil (2024) and Malaysia (2025). Without wider adoption, Chinese constellations risk serving mainly domestic markets despite their scale.
Integration with Emerging Technologies
China’s approach does have unique strengths. The government’s directive emphasizes integrating satellite networks with 5G, 6G, and artificial intelligence. Applications range from aviation and maritime connectivity to disaster response and industrial IoT. By combining terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, China aims to create a seamless global communication framework.
Why It Matters
Satellite internet is not only a commercial product but also a strategic infrastructure. It determines how information flows globally, who controls digital markets, and how resilient societies are during crises. China’s entry into this field signals a broader competition to shape the rules of future connectivity.
Conclusion
China targeting Musk’s Starlink with low-orbit satellite drive highlights both ambition and challenge. With Qianfan, Guowang, and Honghu-3, China is preparing for tens of thousands of satellites by 2030, backed by government policies and industry innovation. Yet without reusable rockets, high costs and slower rollout remain major hurdles. Reliability issues and limited international partnerships also limit global reach. Still, China’s integration of satellites with 5G, 6G, and AI shows a forward-looking strategy. The outcome of this race will influence not only who leads in space internet but also how the world connects in the decades ahead.
Reference:
https://asiatimes.com/2025/09/china-targeting-musks-starlink-with-low-orbit-satellite-drive/