China's Star Network Construction Accelerates Again! 39 Satellites Have Been Launched

Rockets Roar, Beidou Guides the Way, China's Low Earth Orbit Satellite Internet Construction Enters a Period of Frequent Launches

On July 30 at 15:49, the Wenchang Commercial Aerospace Launch Site once again brought good news — the Long March 8A rocket pierced through the sky, accurately sending the satellite internet low-orbit 06 group satellites into their designated orbit. This was the second successful launch of this rocket after its first flight in February this year, marking a qualitative leap in China's medium and low-orbit satellite networking capabilities.

At the same time, the Long March 6A rocket successfully sent five satellites of the 05 group into space on July 27 at the Taiyuan Launch Site. So far, through five launches by three types of rockets — the Long March 5B, Long March 8A, and Long March 6A — the number of low-orbit business satellites in orbit for China's satellite internet has reached 39, accelerating the networking process.

1 Major Capacity Rocket Technology Breakthroughs

The Long March 8A, as a new "constellation express," demonstrates remarkable technological evolution:

Full Process Automation Launch: The ground measurement and launch control system achieves unattended operation, with launch efficiency improved by more than 40%

7-ton carrying capacity: The carrying capacity to a 700 km sun-synchronous orbit reaches 7 tons, compatible with two types of fairings — 4.2 meters and 5.2 meters, capable of accommodating larger satellites

Active Drift Control Technology: Breaking the traditional passive correction mode, it realizes active attitude control during takeoff, achieving centimeter-level orbital accuracy

These innovations make the Long March 8A the main type of rocket for medium and low-orbit launches. Its characteristics of "low cost, high reliability, and rapid launch" perfectly match the needs of large constellation networking.

2 Accelerating the Layout of China's Star Network

The satellites launched this time belong to the China Star Network (SatNet) constellation — China's first giant satellite internet system combining high and low orbits. Its strategic layout presents three features:

Over ten thousand satellites: A total of 12,992 satellites are planned, most of which are low-orbit satellites, far exceeding the scale of traditional constellations

Hybrid Orbit Advantages: Combining high-orbit satellites (three satellites can cover the globe) with low-orbit satellites (latency below 100 milliseconds), achieving seamless communication across all areas

Military-Civilian Integration: Shanghai Yunchin Satellite recently launched a 1.336 billion yuan rocket launch bid, planning to add 94 more satellites into orbit, with private capital accelerating its entry

3 Consumer-Level Application Breakthroughs Are Imminent

The ultimate goal of satellite networking is to achieve direct connection between mobile phones and space:

Huawei is about to launch: The Mate XTs Extraordinary Triple Fold phone is expected to launch the low-orbit satellite direct connection function in September, allowing users to directly access the internet via satellites when there is no ground signal

Three-Net Integration Architecture: Through the integration of Beidou (short message), Tiangong (voice), and low-orbit internet (broadband), the Huawei Mate X6 Collection Edition has already achieved technical verification

Tariff Models Emerge: Referring to Starlink's 5GB package costing about 65 yuan per month, China's consumer satellite internet may adopt a "basic service fee + data package" model

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has also optimized the policy environment. In mid-July, it announced a reduction in the access threshold for satellite communication services, stimulating innovation vitality through simplified approval and classified management, paving the way for terminal popularization.

4 The Global Space Race Is Intensifying

Low Earth orbit has become a new strategic high ground for major countries:

Orbit Resource Competition: The prime orbit between 500-2000 kilometers is extremely limited. Elon Musk's Starlink has deployed over 5000 satellites to seize the initiative

Technology Standard Competition: The European Space Agency successfully verified the 5G direct connection technology of CubeSats in July. China's Star Network uses Ka-band payloads, making frequency band competition increasingly intense

Quantum Navigation Layout: The US X-37B spaceplane will test space quantum inertial sensors in August, attempting to establish an autonomous navigation system independent of GPS

As the tail flame of the Long March rocket lights up the night sky on Hainan Island, the technical personnel at the Wenchang Launch Site are preparing for a new record of continuous launches within 48 hours; the Shanghai aerospace engineers are adjusting the phase array antenna angles of the next batch of satellites; in the Huawei laboratory, engineers repeatedly test the handshake protocol between the phone and the passing satellite — the Chinese solution for the space internet has entered the countdown.

With the implementation of the new regulations on satellite communication access by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, more private enterprises will join this space feast. When the moment comes when ten thousand terminals connect directly to the Star Network, "out of service area" will become a word in the history book.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1839152442844172/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.