China to boost satellite communication industry development

China to boost satellite communication industry development

China is rapidly advancing its space-based connectivity ambitions, positioning itself as a leading global player in satellite communication. This strategic push is evident in the country's mega-constellation deployments and investments in satellite technology, aimed at enhancing both regional and global connectivity.

One notable initiative is Spacesail's Qianfan constellation, which currently has 90 satellites in orbit and plans to expand to 15,000 by 2025 [1]. Additionally, China Satellite Network, the operator behind the Guowang/Xingwang constellation, has 34 active satellites with plans for 12,992 more, while Hongqing Technology is preparing to enter the market with its Honghu-3 constellation targeting 10,000 satellites [1].

The acceleration in satellite launches is part of China's broader space strategy, which includes the Space Silk Road and various action plans focused on commercial aerospace development and innovation. The Space Silk Road, an extension of the Belt and Road Initiative, encompasses satellite communications, navigation, and positioning services. The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, for instance, operates 45 satellites and is supported by a network of 120 ground stations, providing critical infrastructure for regional connectivity [1].

China's investment in satellite technology is not limited to its domestic market. The country is also actively shaping global space governance through international partnerships. Over the past eight years, China has signed at least 46 cooperation agreements with 19 countries and four international organizations, underscoring its commitment to fostering global collaboration in space exploration and policy [1].

The convergence between satellite operators and telco providers is another key trend in China's satellite ecosystem. This convergence is driving a shift towards direct-to-cellular (D2C) connectivity and non-terrestrial network (NTN) innovation, which allows smartphones to directly connect to satellites for voice calls, text messaging, and data services in areas without cellular coverage from terrestrial networks [1].

China is strategically investing in a hybrid NTN architecture that integrates Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, high altitude platforms (HAPs), and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as complementary layers to its terrestrial wireless infrastructure. This approach aims to deliver seamless connectivity across dynamic, mobile, and data-intensive environments, supporting applications such as real-time remote monitoring, augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR)-enabled industrial systems, autonomous mobility, and mass-scale Internet of Things (IoT) deployments [1].

By 2032, D2C connections in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to increase from 0.49 million to 36.16 million, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 58.3 percent, while satellite IoT connections are projected to grow from 2.19 million to 7.70 million, at a CAGR of 17.8 percent [1]. This growth is driven by the land mobile operational domain, which supports real-time tracking, monitoring, and communications for moving vehicles and assets, particularly within the automotive and consumer device markets.

China's multi-orbit NTN stack is expanding satellite capacity across Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and LEO layers to serve distinct technical and strategic functions. While the GEO-based Tiantong-1 system offers a stable platform for narrowband services such as voice and messaging, the MEO and LEO layers are designed for broader, more dynamic applications [1].

In conclusion, China's investment in satellite communication technology is not only aimed at enhancing domestic connectivity but also at establishing a strong global presence in the space industry. This strategic push is likely to have significant implications for both regional and global markets, shaping the future of satellite-enabled communications and connectivity.

References:
[1] https://interactive.satellitetoday.com/via/september-2025/ntns-new-power-player-is-china-aiming-to-take-the-lead-in-space-based-connectivity