China's version of SpaceX Starlink to realize global broadband

China's own version of the SpaceX Starlink space-based Internet service is currently under construction with the goal of providing global broadband Internet coverage, reports stdaily.com.

[File Photo: Chinanews.com]

According to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), construction will soon start on China's own global mobile broadband satellite Internet system. Fifty four satellites will be launched in the first stage of the project, which is expected to have a final network containing 300 satellites.

"Once completed, the satellite communication network will take the place of the ground-based network and be able to provide communication services to points at any place on the globe," said Bao Weimin, head of the CASC Science and Technology Commission and member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Once completed, China's new satellite communication network will take the place of the ground-based network. It will provide broadband access on the world's oceans, at both the northern and southern polar regions, and along all parts of the 'Belt and Road'.

The satellite constellation is expected to have broad commercial applications, including providing Internet services, enhancing navigation systems, and aerial and maritime monitoring.

Private U.S. space flight company SpaceX launched its first two test satellites for its global space-based broadband Internet project recently using one of its Falcon 9 rockets. The company plans to create a giant constellation of about 12,000 small satellites delivering broadband access around the world. Although there are some differences between this system and SpaceX's Starlink, the two projects share similar goals.