China's SSST Launches First 18 Satellites for Qianfan Constellation

Tags: International News

On 5th August 2024, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), a Chinese state-owned enterprise, successfully launched the first batch of 18 satellites for the "Qianfan" (Thousand Sails Constellation) megaconstellation, formerly known as the G60 Project.

An Overview of the News

• The launch took place at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre (TSLC) in Shanxi Province, China.

G60 Project Details:

• The G60 Project was initiated in 2023 with the ambitious goal of deploying 1,296 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites by 2030.

• In 2024, the plan includes the launch of 108 satellites, with 648 satellites targeted for deployment by the end of 2025.

• The project aims to achieve global network coverage by 2027.

Funding and Partnerships:

• SSST secured 6.7 billion yuan (approximately USD 943 million) to finance the project.

• SSST partnered with the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAMCAS) to establish Shanghai Gesi Aerospace Technology (Genesat) in 2022.

• Genesat is responsible for building satellite manufacturing facilities.

• The first satellite for the G60 constellation was produced in December 2023 in Shanghai's Songjiang District.

Advantages of LEO Satellites:

• LEO satellites, orbiting at altitudes between 300 km and 2,000 km, are more cost-effective and offer more efficient transmission compared to higher orbit satellites.