Last Tuesday, China made significant progress in its space program by placing 18 satellites in low earth orbit (LEO) through the Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST).
The event took place in Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centerin Shanxi province, as reported by the state broadcaster CCTV.
This launch marks the beginning of the project “Thousand Sails Constellation” of the SSST, a state initiative that seeks to respond to the growing development of the network Starlink of SpaceX, which currently has about 5,500 satellites in orbit.
Starlink, led by American businessman Elon Muskaims to provide near-global internet coverage.
LEO satellites, which operate between 300 km and 2,000 km altitudeare recognized for being more affordable and efficient in data transmission compared to satellites positioned in higher orbits.
In addition to commercial advantages, possession and control of satellites at such altitudes also has strategic military implications.
The relevance of this technology was highlighted during the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, where the Starlink network proved to be crucial for battlefield communications.
]This utility has led to publications by affiliates of the Chinese People’s Liberation Armywho expressed concerns about potential US space hegemony and the military advantage this could confer.
Source: https://www.ocafezinho.com/2024/08/06/china-lanca-satelites-para-bater-de-frente-com-a-starlink-de-musk/
