In December, China launched its third batch of LEO internet satellites for the Qianfan (or “Thousand Sails”) project, intended to rival SpaceX’s Starlink with a planned total of 15,000 satellites. Alongside this, China is developing two more constellations, Guo Wang and Honghu-3, with 13,000 and 10,000 satellites, respectively. The establishment of these satellite internet systems is seen as a means for China to enhance its geopolitical influence and national security. However, there is a pressing need for more rockets to successfully launch its expansive satellite plans into orbit.
