China - December 24, 2024 China accelerates LEO satellite deployment as global space race intensifies (Voice_over) In the global race to assemble LEO satellite megaconstellations, China continues to close the gap between Western rivals in the U.S. and the U.K. Megaconstellations require thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites operating in synchronicity to deliver broadband internet access. But there are a finite number of orbital slots and radio frequencies available in LEO space. Starlink from the U.S. currently has about 6,200 LEO satellites in orbit, while Eutelsat OneWeb from London has around 630. For their G60 Constellation, China has been accelerating the deployment of LEO satellites with an aim of increasing its current 54 to more than 15,000 by the year 2030. The VP of a satellite ground segment service provider notes how fierce the competition has become. (Sound_bite) Cao Meng, Vice president, Emposat Co., Ltd: "The space resources are very limited, and the competition for low-Earth orbit will only intensify. If we don't launch our satellites as quickly as possible, others will lunch theirs, and our access to these resources will continue to diminish." (Voice_over) The VP said meeting the 15,000-satellite goal won’t be easy because it’ll require a substantial upgrade to the country’s rocket launch capacity from its current 70 launches per year, to more than 150. (Sound_bite) Cao Meng, Vice president, Emposat Co., Ltd: "Right now, the deployment demand for satellite constellations, especially in the field of satellite internet, has placed very high requirements on our overall launch vehicle capabilities. However, the current traditional launch vehicles are not only expensive, but also unable to meet the required launch cycle and delivery timelines." [Restriction: No access Chinese mainland]