U.S. Suspects Move Aims to Disrupt Competitors' Communication Systems N. Prabhakaran Dubai: In a move that has shocked the global commun...
U.S. Suspects Move Aims to Disrupt Competitors' Communication Systems
N. Prabhakaran
Dubai: In a move that has shocked the global community, China is planning to launch approximately 200,000 satellites into space. A Chinese entity named the 'Institute of Radio Spectrum Utilization and Technological Innovation' has filed applications for two satellite constellations, named CTC1 and CTC2.
China aims to launch a total of 193,428 satellites across these two projects. This scale far exceeds SpaceX’s Starlink project, which envisions 49,000 satellites. By submitting these applications to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), China is attempting to assert its authority over specific orbital paths in space.
By applying for such a massive number of satellites, China is creating a situation where other countries or private companies may find no room left in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Countries, including the United States, fear that these satellites could be used for military purposes, such as surveillance or disrupting the communications of rival nations.
Currently, China does not possess the capacity to launch such a vast number of satellites. To complete this goal within seven years, they would need to launch hundreds of rockets annually. Therefore, experts believe this is likely a "space grab" strategy to occupy orbital slots. In 2025, China conducted a record 92 launches; however, to deploy 200,000 satellites, they would need to launch 500 satellites every week—a feat currently deemed impossible. Furthermore, such a massive accumulation of satellites increases space debris and poses a threat to other space missions.
Chinese President Xi Jinping previously stated that space is a strategic national asset that must be protected. Through this move, China is striving to gain an upper hand in its competition with the United States in the space sector.
The 'Chang'e' Program
Like the U.S., China is moving rapidly to establish its presence on the Moon. China was the first in the world to successfully land a spacecraft on the far side of the Moon and successfully returned lunar soil and rock samples to Earth—a major achievement for the scientific world. (In August 2023, India also landed a craft on the lunar South Pole via the Chandrayaan-3 mission).
China aims to land humans on the Moon by 2030 and is developing new rockets and spacecraft for this purpose. This rivalry between China and the U.S. mirrors the Cold War-era space race between the Soviet Union and the United States.
Why is this competition concerning? Both nations are testing anti-satellite weapons, which threaten all orbiting objects. Countries are also competing to claim valuable resources like water ice and Helium-3 on the Moon. Moreover, the deployment of lakhs of satellites will make future space missions increasingly difficult.
Tiangong Space Station
China built 'Tiangong' (meaning 'Heavenly Palace') as an alternative to the International Space Station (ISS). It was constructed by China independently, without help from Russia or the U.S., and was completed by 2022. Three astronauts (referred to by China as 'Taikonauts') reside there for six-month rotations. With the ISS likely to be decommissioned by 2030, Tiangong may soon be the only operational space station in orbit.
Bharatiya Antariksh Station
Meanwhile, the first module of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), India's own space station led by ISRO, is set to launch in 2028. It is envisioned to be fully operational by 2035. This station aims to support microgravity research and future lunar missions. The first part, launching in 2028, will be a 'Technology Demonstrator' to test power and docking systems. Once complete, the 52-ton station will consist of five modules, including research labs and living quarters for four astronauts. Located in Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of about 400 km, India is indigenously developing the necessary life support and docking systems.
International Lunar Research Station (ILRS)
This is China’s massive plan to build a permanent base on the lunar surface. Developed in collaboration with Russia, the base is planned for the lunar South Pole, where water ice is believed to exist. Construction is expected to start by 2030 and be fully functional by 2035, with initial phases carried out by robots.
China's Space 'Superpower' Tactics
Reusable Rockets: Like SpaceX, Chinese companies are working on rockets that can return to Earth after launch, which will significantly reduce launch costs.
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