China launched its first batch of internet satellites on Tuesday, aiming to compete with SpaceX’s Starlink.

The constellation, called “Thousand Sails,” will consist of over 15,000 low-Earth orbit satellites to provide global internet coverage.

A Long March 6A rocket from Taiyuan launch center delivered the initial 18 satellites, marking a successful mission according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. By 2025, China plans to deploy 648 satellites in the first phase, CNBC has reported.

This initiative highlights China’s ambitions in space and its efforts to challenge U.S. dominance in the technology sector.

Written by B.C. Begley