China Conducts Launch to Test Satellite Internet Capabilities

China successfully launched an undisclosed number of satellites on Thursday, marking its 54th launch of 2023. The Long March 2D rocket, equipped with a Yuanzheng-3 upper stage, lifted off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China at 5:00 a.m. Eastern. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. (CASC) initially kept details of the payload under wraps, only revealing that it involved an "experiment satellite for satellite internet technologies" after declaring the launch successful.

While the exact number and specifications of the launched satellites remain undisclosed, a statement from the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) hints at separate developments by SAST and the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites (IAMCAS), an entity under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).

Tracking of space objects by the U.S. Space Force space domain awareness teams will eventually provide information about the number of objects linked to the launch that have been cataloged in orbit.

This mission likely plays a role in testing satellite internet technologies, aligning with China ambitious national satellite internet megaconstellation project, Guowang. The goal of Guowang is to deploy approximately 13,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, in response to the growing presence of megaconstellations like Starlink. SpaceX, the company behind Starlink, has launched over 5,000 satellites since 2019 and plans to expand the constellation to potentially 40,000 Starlinks in orbit.

IAMCAS and the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), another subsidiary of CASC, were previously identified as entities responsible for manufacturing satellites for the Guowang project. CASC had earlier announced plans to launch batches of satellites for Guowang, possibly using a modified Long March 5B rocket or considering the Long March 8 for high-density launches. Chinese commercial launch providers are also competing for contracts related to this ambitious project.

The development of a communications megaconstellation aligns with China broader vision to integrate communications with navigation, positioning, remote sensing, and potentially establish itself as a provider of global public goods. This move not only aims to enhance domestic telecommunications and internet coverage but positions China as a significant commercial competitor in the space sector.

Additionally, the government of Shanghai has expressed support for another broadband megaconstellation project, consisting of an initial 1,296 satellites.

China space endeavors continue at a rapid pace, with Thursday launch being the 54th in 2023. CASC had set an ambitious target of over 60 launches for the year, and with 40 launches completed so far, they are on track to achieve this goal. Commercial actors have contributed to the total with 14 orbital launches in 2023.