China launched the first group of satellites for its Guowang megaconstellation on Dec. 16, marking the beginning of its efforts to provide global satellite internet coverage.

The Long March 5B rocket, launched from Hainan, carried the satellites into low Earth orbit.

The Guowang constellation, managed by China Satnet, aims to compete with systems like Starlink, with plans to deploy nearly 13,000 satellites by 2032.

This marks a key milestone in China’s space ambitions, alongside the Qianfan megaconstellation, which has already launched 54 satellites, Space News has reported.

Both projects support China’s digital economy and strategic independence, with global partnerships already in place.

Written by B.C. Begley