China has started building its own analogue of Starlink - Long March 2D rocket launched the first Internet satellite Guowang into orbit

China fears the expansion of Starlink satellite internet, which is already available in dozens of countries around the world. The Chinese authorities want to create their own analogue. Earlier in 2023 it was announced that the project is called Guowang. Last week the first internet satellite was sent into space.

Here's What We Know

China's Long March 2D launch vehicle launched from the Xichang spaceport (Xichang). It is officially stated that it has put an experimental internet satellite into orbit. China intends to deploy 13,000 spacecraft in orbit, several times less than SpaceX plans.

Aerospace conglomerate Kasich began work on the project in late summer 2017, when it announced it wanted to build a constellation of 156 satellites. Production of the spacecraft was set up in Tianjin. The facility was expected to be able to produce 130 satellites per year.

The plans were not destined to become a reality, after which the project was frozen. In 2020, Chinese authorities combined the Hong Yen and Hong Yun projects to create a constellation of 12,992 spacecraft.

Two and a half years ago, China Satinine was registered in China. It is the one that will become the satellite internet operator. The spacecraft will be launched into space using the Yuanzheng-2 upper stage. The production of satellites will be engaged in the organisations IAMCAS and CAST.

Source: SpaceNews