China successfully launched a satellite Internet technology test satellite early Tuesday, marking the country’s sixth such mission. The satellite, launched by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, will be used for technical tests and verification for direct-to-cell satellite broadband and space-ground network integration. The launch carried four internet satellite test satellites, each designated 0001-0004, with Ka and other frequency band payloads. This launch is part of China’s efforts to advance its communication space infrastructure and ensure sovereign access to space-based internet services.
China has already launched two low Earth orbit megaconstellations, Guowang and Qianfan/Thousand Sails, but the satellite Internet technology test satellite missions are ongoing. These missions could potentially pave the way for new generations of satellites for these projects and test various systems such as propulsion, power, thermal control, and phased array antennas. Additionally, China launched three separate “high orbit” internet satellites in geostationary orbit in 2024, with little public information available about their uses.
Tuesday’s mission was China’s 17th orbital launch of 2025, with plans for more than 100 launches in total this year. Key upcoming missions include the Shenzhou-20 and 21 human spaceflight missions to Tiangong and the Tianwen-2 near-Earth asteroid sample return mission. China is also working on a space infrastructure system that integrates communications, navigation and positioning, and remote sensing. These efforts reflect China’s commitment to advancing its space capabilities and ensuring national sovereignty in space-based services.
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