It was a big week for China’s attempt to rival SpaceX’s Starlink, with the launching of the first batch of what would be an expected constellation of 14,000 satellites that would give broadband internet coverage from space.

The first launch of state-backed Qianfan, also known as Spacesail, saw 18 satellites successfully deployed into low Earth orbit on Tuesday, according to state media. China is touting this satellite network as its response to SpaceX’s Starlink, which has already launched more than 6,000 satellites into orbit and wants to have as many as 42,000.

While traditional internet access is based on ground infrastructure, such as cables, satellite-based internet will be crucial for remote and underserved regions and disaster zones. This technology is also viewed as the future of transport in terms of autonomous vehicles and other internet-dependent devices—sectors in which China desires to be at the forefront.

Qianfan is but one of three mega-constellation projects pertaining to China. In the next few years, it’s expected that Chinese companies will launch nearly 40,000 satellites into low Earth orbit, a zone stretching up to 1,200 miles above Earth. These vast networks—Mega-constellations—were hundreds or thousands of satellites working in unison.

This launch is part of an overall Beijing strategy to have a strong footing in space research. The country has already announced it had made great strides in its national space program, setting such ambitious tasks as sending astronauts to the moon by 2030 and sending military satellites for communication, navigation, and surveillance.

Taking control of low Earth orbit broadband satellite networks, experts believe China will be in a position to offer services not only within its territory but around the world. This would enhance its diplomatic influence, data control, and national security.

Qianfan’s rollout would be managed by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology Co. Ltd., with backing from the Shanghai government. Therefore, it will further test China’s ability to mass-produce and launch satellites within strict timeframes. The constellation is expected to grow to over 600 satellites before the end of 2025, with an aspiration of having more than 14,000 by the turn of 2030, providing global broadband coverage. From the statements made by the project’s deputy director, Zhu Xiaochen, this would suffice to cover most of the population centers in the world.

Brief History of the US-China Space Race
The real space race between the US and China began in the late twentieth century. After the US accomplished the historic moon landing in 1969, China started working on its space mission and launched its first satellite, Dong Fang Hong 1, in 1970. Though the US had a head start, China was developing its capabilities steadily through the decades.

In the early 2000s, China reached a landmark when it launched its first astronaut, Yang Liwei, into space aboard the Shenzhou 5 spacecraft in 2003. It made China the third country in the world, after the US and Russia, to send humans into space independently.

The competition has really picked up in the past few years. China has made out-of-this-world advancements, placing a rover on the far side of the moon in 2019 and winning the first return of lunar samples to Earth in 2020 with the Chang’e 5 mission. At the same time, the US didn’t drop such bold ambitions as missions to Mars or manned lunar exploration within NASA’s Artemis program.

This rivalry spilled over to the commercial space effort. SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk, shook up space travel with reusable rockets and the satellite network Starlink. China’s matching constellation, Qianfan, shows the resolve of Beijing to challenge US supremacy over space—the enlarged strategic competition between the two nations writ small.

The race is ready to get set in the future of space technology, military capabilities, and international influence, with both nations continuing their heavy investment in space exploration.

News Desk