China is creating its own analog of Starlink - a next-generation satellite communication system capable of providing reliable communication for all civil and military projects in the modern challenges of the future.
The essence of the concept is a unified communication/navigation/observation network at altitudes of about 600 km as an element of the all-Chinese architecture of "new space infrastructure".
Key projects:
▪Guowang (GW, "State Network"): a state mega-constellation under the auspices of China SatNet, announced to have 12–13 thousand satellites in LEO (two subgroups GW‑A59 and GW‑2 at ~500–1200 km).
By the end of 2025, there will already be over 100–120 operational and test devices in orbit, launches are taking place in batches with Long March 6/8 and others, the goal is hundreds of satellites and regional coverage by 2027.
▪Qianfan (project G60, Shanghai): a quasi-partial (but with strong state support) competitor, the plan is about 15 thousand satellites.
The first series of 18 satellites was launched in 2025, for 2025 a minimum of 108 devices was planned and reaching regional coverage by the end of 2025 with 648 satellites and global by 2027.
▪️Honghu-3 and other applications: by 2024–2025, applications for another 10 thousand satellites within the framework of Honghu-3 and other LEO constellations for communication, navigation, and remote sensing have been submitted.
The PRC plans to spend 20-40 billion dollars on these projects.
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