China Launches 18 Satellites

On 6th August, 2024, China has successfully launched 18 satellites into low Earth orbit, marking a significant step in its effort to establish a satellite network comparable to SpaceX’s Starlink.

Key Points:

Successful Satellite Deployment: Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) launched the satellites from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre using a Long March 6 rocket.
China’s Response to Starlink: The initiative aims to create a Chinese equivalent of SpaceX’s Starlink, which currently operates around 5,500 satellites to deliver global broadband services.
Military Implications and Strategic Concerns: Low Earth orbit satellites, like those deployed in this launch, offer advantages in both civilian and military applications.
The strategic importance of satellite control has been underscored since the Ukraine conflict highlighted Starlink’s role in communications