31.8 C
Melbourne
Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Trending Talks

spot_img

China Plans Massive Satellite Constellation, Targeting 203,000 Satellites in Low Earth Orbit

China has submitted applications to deploy an enormous number of satellites in low Earth orbit, potentially surpassing existing global satellite constellations and raising concerns about orbital congestion and space competition.

China has filed applications with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to deploy super-large satellite constellations, potentially reaching up to 203,000 satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). This ambitious plan has drawn global attention, as it would far exceed the current number of satellites operated by any single entity.

For comparison, SpaceX’s Starlink network, currently the largest active satellite constellation, has nearly 10,000 operational satellites in orbit. Analysts note that China’s filings may be strategic and regulatory in nature, allowing the country to reserve orbital slots and radio frequencies without guaranteeing immediate deployment.

Submitting such applications to the ITU allows countries to secure spectral resources and orbital positions during international coordination. This practice can create technical constraints for competitors, who must account for potential radio interference and orbital conflicts in their planning.

The move comes amid rapid growth in satellite deployments since 2020, with the number of devices in orbit increasing dramatically. Experts warn that overcrowding in low Earth orbit could lead to increased risks, including frequency conflicts and cascading collisions that could generate dangerous space debris.

SpaceX’s dominance in the satellite market is largely attributed to its Falcon 9 rocket, a reusable launch system that significantly reduces launch costs and enables rapid satellite deployment. Analysts highlight that China and other competitors currently lack similar launch capabilities, limiting their ability to scale constellations at the same pace.

Despite China’s ambitious filings, Elon Musk’s SpaceX remains the global leader in low Earth orbit satellite deployment, with launch frequency continuing to shape the balance of power in the emerging space economy.

Serendib News
Serendib News
Serendib News is a renowned multicultural web portal with a 17-year commitment to providing free, diverse, and multilingual print newspapers, featuring over 1000 published stories that cater to multicultural communities.

Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Articles