China has made a significant leap in its space and internet ambitions by launching 18 satellites into orbit on Tuesday. The launch took place at 2:42 p.m. (Beijing Time) from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China’s Shanxi Province.
The satellites were carried aboard a modified Long March-6 carrier rocket and have successfully entered their preset orbits. This launch marks the first batch of satellites for China’s ambitious “Thousand Sails Constellation” or “G60 Starlink” project, aimed at establishing a nationwide satellite internet network.
Dubbed as the nation’s version of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet constellation, the “Thousand Sails Constellation” aims to enhance China’s capabilities in global internet connectivity, providing high-speed internet services across the country and potentially to international users.
This milestone underscores China’s growing presence in space exploration and satellite technology, reinforcing its commitment to advancing technological innovation and digital infrastructure.
Reference(s):
China launches first satellites in mega internet constellation project
cgtn.com
