China launches four Long March rockets in 17 days, accelerating the layout of the 'Star Network' plan

Recently, a major event has occurred. In 17 days, our country has launched four Long March rockets in a row, with payloads being nothing else but the "Chinese version of Starlink" (StarNet). For example, on August 13, the Long March 5B rocket successfully launched the "StarNet 08 Group" satellites in a "one rocket ten satellites" manner. What is the Long March 5B? It is currently the most powerful rocket for low Earth orbit in China, and it only took three launches to put the Chinese space station into orbit.

So the question arises: why are we launching StarNet at an average rate of one every four days, even using the strongest and most expensive "Fat Five" (Long March 5)? Because we are in a hurry, because we are currently in a situation where "satellites are waiting for rockets." However, time does not wait, and competitors certainly will not wait for you either.

The China StarNet plan intends to launch 12,292 satellites in the future, directly competing with America's Starlink. However, just like how the Beidou navigation satellites once competed for spectrum resources, according to international satellite-related agreements, by the end of 2027, China StarNet must complete the deployment of 1,500 satellites to occupy related radio frequency spectrum resources.

However, the satellite production line has already been set up, yet we still do not have our own "Falcon 9". We currently do not have any reusable rockets that can be used, so the "national team" has stepped in, using various single-use rockets including "Long March" to catch up on schedule, no matter how costly it may be.

This is similar to a commercial airline route, where there is a large passenger flow, but there is no real commercial aircraft available. Therefore, we have to rely on the "national team" first, using the Y-20, Y-9, and Y-8 to carry passengers. The cost is self-evident, and profit is out of the question, but we have to do it regardless.

Original article: www.toutiao.com/article/1840626818488330/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.