The Great Satellite Race: China’s Bold Move in Low Earth Orbit
As the world ushered in 2026, most were celebrating the dawn of a new year. However, a surprising event slipped quietly into the background: a little-known entity from China submitted plans that could drastically change our night sky. Just as we primed our fireworks, they laid the groundwork for a staggering 200,000 internet satellites.
To put this in context: since we began launching satellites, fewer than 20,000 have made it into space. Now, an ambitious proposal aims to dwarf that number, igniting a fresh chapter in the already heated competition between global powers, particularly between China and the United States.
The Paperwork Wars: Claiming the Sky
The ambitious proposal came to life on December 29 when the Institute of Radio Spectrum Utilisation and Technological Innovation submitted two distinct applications to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), known as CTC-1 and CTC-2. Each of these networks is designed to host 96,714 satellites, bringing the total to an astonishing 193,428. This sprawling network is set to be deployed across 3,660 orbital planes, creating a mesh of satellites that will blanket much of the Earth.
What’s fascinating—and a little unnerving—is that the entity behind this audacious filing didn’t even exist until just a day before its submission. Registered in Hebei province, this institute marks a collective effort from seven Chinese organizations based in the futuristic Xiongan New Area, a hub meant to symbolize the future of high-tech urban living.
So why file for 200,000 satellites when there’s no established pathway to launch even a fraction of them? The ITU operates on a system that awards priority for radio frequencies and orbital positions to whoever files first. This means that by applying now, China is getting a head start on claiming valuable portions of the orbital landscape, particularly before competitors like Elon Musk’s SpaceX can stake their claims.
A “Land Grab” in the Vacuum
Victoria Samson from the Secure World Foundation shed some light on this strategy. “They might be trying to create some space for later on,” she explained. By making such an enormous claim, they force other nations to work around them. The first to file gains considerable leverage; operators who come later have to ensure they won’t interfere with those who applied first.
This strategic maneuver leaves China room for flexibility. In claiming thousands of potential orbital slots, they keep various options on the table. The more expansive the filing, the better the chance of locking in the best positions for their future endeavors.
The Physical Impossibility of “Launch Fever”
However, there’s a big gap between this bold filing and the physical reality of launching so many satellites. Current regulations mandate that satellite systems must have at least one satellite operational within seven years of filing. The clock only starts ticking once that satellite is in space. Afterward, they must launch 10% within two years, 50% within five, and the entire constellation within seven years.
To deploy an incredible 200,000 satellites within that timeframe, China would need to ramp up its launch capability to phenomenal levels. As of 2025, China launched 92 rockets, a record for the nation. But realistically, they would need to crank that number up to more than 500 launches a week. It’s a leap from nearly 100 to thousands of launches per year.
The space community has seen this disconnect before. Back in 2021, Rwanda filed plans for 327,000 satellites, but it hasn’t launched a single one since. Nonetheless, China should not easily be underestimated; they already have major space projects underway.
Crowded Skies and Orbital Anxiety
This massive filing is a direct counter-move to the rapid growth of Western satellite networks, mainly SpaceX’s Starlink, which currently has around 9,400 active satellites. To many in Beijing, this is more than just another tech competition—it’s a national security issue.
By securing these rights now, China ensures it won’t be locked out from a future dominated by satellite internet. The concept of “first mover” advantage is pivotal in orbit, especially as we see ground stations and satellite systems proliferating.
In fact, China is not just standing back while other nations move ahead. The country is simultaneously developing the Guowang network, aiming for approximately 13,000 satellites, and the Qianfan network, which intends to launch over 15,000 by 2030. If even a fraction of their estimates are realized, we’ll witness a new era of crowded space.
As the push for satellite internet continues, safety becomes an increasingly pressing concern. In December, SpaceX admitted that one of its satellites ran into trouble and suddenly deorbited. In response, they decided to lower around 4,400 satellites from an altitude of 550 kilometers to 480 kilometers to reduce the chances of collisions.
So, what does all of this mean for us? As companies and nations rush to cover the sky with satellites, the possibilities for global connectivity grow exponentially. This newfound reliance on space technologies could be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it fosters innovation and improves access to information globally. On the other, it raises significant concerns about safety, competition, and even the potential for conflict as nations jockey for position.
Imagine a world where internet access is so ubiquitous that it becomes a given, not a luxury. But at what cost? The eerie image of a night sky crowded with satellites looms ahead.
In the end, whether this is a sign of genuine ambition or a regulatory chess game, it highlights one undeniable truth: the race to control the skies is far from over. And we’re all just looking up, waiting to see what develops next.
