Elon Musk may be among the first to have popularized and made satellite internet available, but rivals from all over the world are also developing this, with the latest being China with its recent launch of 18 'Qianfan' satellites. The latest batch is only a first for its planned thousands to deploy in the future, as part of its massive constellation that will provide a wideservice.
It was revealed by China that the Qianfan satellites would deliver a global satellite internet service, also similar to Starlink's goal of high-speed broadband internet for the world.
China Launches 18 'Qianfan' Satellites to Orbit from SSST
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A recent launch from China marked the start of its dip towards satellite internet services according to Xinhua (via Ars Technica), with this mission debuting 18 Qianfan satellites to orbit. The latest launch boarded China's Long March 6A rocket and departed from the Taiyuan launch base in the Shanxi province, with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation claiming that it was a success.
Qianfan satellites (which translate to 'Thousand sails) were developed by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, best known for being backed by Shanghai's municipal government.
According to Ars' report, the Qianfan satellites share similarities to that of Starlink, featuring a flat-panel design to its orbiting spacecraft that are easy to pack.
China's Satellite Internet to Beam Service Globally
The first 18 satellites from SSST and China mark the beginning of its service, but it certainly would not be the last, as there are plans to have a 'mega constellation' consisting of 14,000 orbiting spacecraft. Since China banned Starlink satellites from entering its region, it would help deliver satellite internet technology to users, but it plans a global reach to service territories outside China with high-speed capabilities.
Satellite Internet Services in the World
The growing adaptation of satellite internet has brought wonders of accessibility and connectivity to the world, as it does not rely on terrestrial infrastructures to provide its service to users. This was popularized and massively expanded by none other than Elon Musk's SpaceX via its subsidiary, Starlink, which has since provided the world with reliable and adept services, with the company expanding on its satellite constellation.
However, some rivals look to deliver its satellite internet capabilities, with United Kingdom's contender, OneWeb, previously hitching a ride from SpaceX.
Apart from Big Tech satellite internet developers, there is also the Texas startup known as AST Space Mobile whichfocuses on a satellite-to-phone service.
While the United States has been the center of satellite internet development, there are also other countries and their companies who are looking to deliver this experience. China is among them, with the East Asian superpower recently launching its first efforts towards satellite internet from SSST, with the Qianfan satellites soon to beam internet not only for the country but globally.
