China recently launched its 14th group of low-orbit internet satellites into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The launch was executed using a Long March-2D carrier rocket, marking the 387th mission for the Long March series. This group of satellites will join the previously deployed ones to form part of the national BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS), which provides global navigation coverage.
This recent launch further showcases China’s commitment to its ambitious space program and its efforts to build a comprehensive space-based internet communication network. The internet satellites launched are designed to function in low Earth orbit, which ranges from 160 to 2,000 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. Satellites in this orbit can provide faster internet services as they are closer to the ground, reducing the latency or delay in data transmission.
The BDS, under which these satellites operate, is a global navigation satellite system developed and operated by China. It is one of the four space-based navigation networks alongside the United States’ Global Positioning System (GPS), Russia’s GLONASS, and the European Union’s Galileo. The BDS provides positioning, navigation, and timing services to global users.
China’s space program has been making rapid progress in recent years. The country has not only launched a significant number of satellites but also sent rovers to the moon and Mars. In addition, China recently launched the Tianzhou-2 cargo spacecraft, which successfully docked with the core module of China’s space station, Tianhe.
As China continues to develop its space infrastructure, it aims to complete the construction of its space station by the end of 2022. The station will serve as a scientific research platform in space, enabling astronauts to stay for long-term missions.
China’s efforts in space technology demonstrate its commitment to becoming a leading player in the global space industry. The successful deployment of these low-orbit internet satellites will not only enhance China’s space-based internet communication network but also contribute to the broader goal of global internet coverage. This development underscores the increasing significance of space technology in facilitating global communication and navigation services.
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