China is developing plans for a 13,000-satellite megaconstellation

Source: https://spacenews.com/china-is-developing-plans-for-a-13000-satellite-communications-megaconstellation/

by Andrew Jones — April 21, 2021

HELSINKI — China is to oversee the construction and operation of a national satellite internet megaconstellation through coordinating the country’s major space actors. 

Recent comments by senior officials indicate that plans are moving ahead to alter earlier constellation plans by space sector state-owned enterprises and possibly make these part of a larger “Guowang” or “national network” satellite internet project. 

Spectrum allocation filings submitted to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) by China in September last year revealed plans to construct two similarly named “GW” low Earth orbit constellations totaling 12,992 satellites. 

The filings indicate plans for GW to consist of sub-constellations ranging from 500-1,145 kilometers in altitude with inclinations between 30-85 degrees. The satellites would operate across a range of frequency bands.

Read more at: https://spacenews.com/china-is-developing-plans-for-a-13000-satellite-communications-megaconstellation/

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