In an age where the world increasingly relies on connectivity, the race for space-based broadband internet has moved from science fiction to fierce competition among global superpowers. The latest contender to make a significant leap forward? China, with the launch of the first satellites for its ambitious GuoWang mega constellation. This initiative not only promises to revolutionize China’s internet capabilities but also marks a strategic step in challenging the dominance of SpaceX’s Starlink and other competitors on the global stage.
The skies lit up with the fiery glow of a Long March-5B rocket, carrying GuoWang satellites from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in southern China. Backed by the power of the Yuanzheng-2 upper stage, these satellites soared into low-Earth orbit, marking another successful mission for China’s rapidly advancing space program. The launch was hailed as a success reported CGTN.
But behind the technical precision of this launch lies a much larger narrative, one of geopolitical rivalry, technological ambition, and a vision for global connectivity that could reshape the future.
GuoWang: China’s National Network Takes Flight
The name GuoWang translates to “national network,” and the project has been in the works since 2020 when China submitted filings to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The blueprint? A constellation of nearly 13,000 satellites designed to provide worldwide broadband coverage. But GuoWang isn’t just about connecting remote regions; it’s a move aimed at bolstering national security and asserting technological independence.
Managed by China Satellite Network Group Co Ltd, a state-owned enterprise established in 2021, GuoWang operates with an impressive registered capital of 10 billion yuan (US$1.4 billion). Based in Xiongan, Hebei province, this company is spearheading China’s counter to Elon Musk’s Starlink.
Why is this significant? Because the stakes are enormous. In the race for dominance over low-Earth orbit the sweet spot between 160 km and 2,000 km above Earth where satellites can deliver high-speed, low-latency internet every nation wants a slice of the sky.
A Race Against Time and Competition
While China’s ambitions are vast, GuoWang’s progress has faced delays. Speculation about satellite launches began last year, but until this recent launch, progress seemed slower than anticipated. Meanwhile, a competing Chinese project known as Qianfan meaning “thousand sails” has already put 54 satellites into orbit across three missions. Backed by the Shanghai municipal government, Qianfan aims to launch 650 satellites by the end of 2025 and deliver global internet coverage by 2027.
In the global arena, SpaceX’s Starlink remains the undisputed leader, with over 6,700 satellites in orbit, delivering internet services to customers worldwide. Similarly, the UK-based OneWeb has more than 600 satellites providing connectivity.
Yet, under ITU regulations, GuoWang isn’t just competing for technological prestige. To secure its frequency rights, China must meet strict deployment milestones: at least 1,300 satellites (10%) by 2029, 6,500 satellites (50%) by 2032, and full deployment by 2035. It’s a challenging timeline, but one that China seems determined to meet.
The Power of the Long March-5B Rocket
At the heart of this mission’s success is the Long March-5B, China’s most powerful rocket to date. With a diameter of 5 meters (16.4 feet) and a lift-off thrust exceeding 10,000 kilonewtons, it can carry payloads of up to 25 tonnes to low-Earth orbit. Between 2020 and 2022, the Long March-5B played a crucial role in assembling China’s Tiangong Space Station, delivering modules weighing 22-23 tonnes each.
Adding to its might, the Yuanzheng-2 upper stage with a diameter of 3.8 meters was specifically designed for the Long March-5 series. Together, these components form a formidable launch system capable of carrying heavy payloads into space and potentially supporting China’s ambitions for deep-space exploration.
A Broader Global Race for Connectivity
China isn’t the only player expanding its satellite internet network. In March 2024, the European Union announced its commitment to building Iris2, a constellation of over 280 multi-orbit satellites. With contracts worth US$11.13 billion, Iris2 aims to launch by 2029 and become fully operational by 2030. This network, overseen by the European Space Agency, is designed to boost European satellite competitiveness while offering secure, encrypted communications for both government and commercial use.
These global developments underscore the increasing importance of space-based broadband. As more players rush to claim their space in low-Earth orbit, competition is fierce, and the consequences are profound. The infrastructure built today will determine not only who has access to fast, reliable internet but also who controls critical communication networks in times of geopolitical tension.
Why This Matters
The rise of mega-constellations like GuoWang, Starlink, and Iris2 represents more than just technological advancement; it’s about strategic autonomy, economic growth, and digital sovereignty. For China, GuoWang is a chance to ensure that its citizens and businesses aren’t reliant on foreign technology for internet access. For the rest of the world, it’s a reminder that the race for space dominance is far from over.
The launch of these satellites is a significant step forward, but the journey is just beginning. The real challenge lies in deploying thousands more satellites, managing orbital traffic, and addressing concerns about space debris and potential collisions.
The Future of the Satellite Internet Race
As China accelerates its GuoWang project, all eyes are on the sky. Will China meet its ambitious deployment goals? Can GuoWang offer a genuine alternative to Starlink and OneWeb? And how will this global competition shape the future of connectivity?
But one thing is clear, the race for space-based broadband internet is heating up with the US and UK joining the competition for commerce and security.
