China has lodged applications with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) for two massive satellite constellations totalling some 200,000 craft.

Key filings include CTC-1 and CTC-2, two networks comprising over 190,000 combined satellites, signalling long-term plans to build massive LEO and Very Low orbital networks. The satellites aim to support commercial, 6G communication, and security needs, aiming to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink.

Beside the 200,000 filing, other filings involve China Satellite Network Group (Guowang) for 12,992 satellites and Shanghai Yuanxin Satellite (Qianfan) for over 15,000 craft.

However, there are logistical challenges. The first is in building the fleets, and while China can create large-scale production almost overnight, there are currently few signs that this is happening.

The second problem is in launching the constellations. China does not – yet – have reusable (SpaceX-type) rockets. As observers have commented: without these rockets in place it will take decades to complete these plans.

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Categories: Articles, Broadband, Satellite

Tags: china, satellite, spacex