What To Know
- The filing is intended to inform the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and member states of the intention to launch such a satellite network or system so that other parties can review the plans and assess potential interference with their own satellite systems.
- The project is part of a broader initiative by the Shanghai government to foster a robust commercial space ecosystem comprising a range of satellites, launchers, applications and associated infrastructure.
- With SpaceX continuing to deploy its Starlink constellation, which already has over 5,000 operational satellites, the planned addition of 10,000 more satellites by Hongqing Technology raises major questions about the sustainability and management of outer space.
In an era where satellite constellations are becoming commonplace, a Chinese company with ties to commercial rocket maker Landspace is entering the race. Its goal: to release 10,000 of the machines into low Earth orbit.
Honghu-3 Megaconstellation Details
While SpaceX and its project Starlink currently dominate the satellite constellation market, a recent announcement suggests that China may soon join the race with its own initiative. Shanghai Lanjian Hongqing Technology Company, also known as Hongqing Technology, has filed a notification with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for a constellation comprising no less than 10,000 satellites. Note that Hongqing Technology, initially focused on developing Hall effect thrusters, holds a 48% stake in Landspace, a young rocket builder based in Beijing.
The folder filed by Hongqing Technology outlines plans for a constellation named Honghu-3 that is made up of satellites distributed over 160 orbital planes. The filing is intended to inform the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and member states of the intention to launch such a satellite network or system so that other parties can review the plans and assess potential interference with their own satellite systems. This initiative is the third megaconstellation of more than 10,000 satellites planned by Chinese entities. It follows the Guowang National Plan (approximately 13,000 satellites) and the proposal of the G60 Starlink supported by Shanghai, both approved by China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). The first batches of satellites in this new constellation are expected to be launched in the coming months. The project is part of a broader initiative by the Shanghai government to foster a robust commercial space ecosystem comprising a range of satellites, launchers, applications and associated infrastructure.
Credits: Rick_Jo/istock
Towards a risk of congestion?
Space congestion is a growing problem as more satellites are launched to provide communications, imaging, surveillance, and other applications. With each new satellite launch, the space around Earth becomes increasingly crowded, which increases the risk of collisions between satellites in orbit and with existing space debris. These collisions could not only damage or destroy expensive satellites, but also generate additional debris, creating a vicious cycle of congestion and increased danger. The announcement of China’s Honghu-3 megaconstellation naturally rekindles these concerns. With SpaceX continuing to deploy its Starlink constellation, which already has over 5,000 operational satellites, the planned addition of 10,000 more satellites by Hongqing Technology raises major questions about the sustainability and management of outer space.
