Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology Ltd (SSST) sent another 18 communication satellites into low-Earth orbit yesterday, March 12, 2025. The deployments marked a small step in a far bigger plan to have up to 15,000 satellites in orbit.
The satellites hitched a ride into space atop a Long March 8 rocket. The mission, named G60 Polar Group 05, lifted off from the Wenchang Commercial Space Port in Hainan Province. The Ku, Q and V band satellite payload was the fifth batch making up the Spacesail Constellation.
SSST aims to have around 600 satellites in the constellation by the end of 2025. But it wants to more than double that number by the end of 2027. SSST’s longer-term plan is to have 15,000 satellites in orbit and compete with US entities like SpaceX’s Starlink.
Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology is owned by the Chinese Government through the Shanghai Municipal Council. Last year, it raised approximately USD933 million, albeit primarily relying on state funds channelled through various subsidiaries.
As of February 2025, StarLink had over 7,000 satellites in orbit. Launch schedules show SpaceX is sending up to three Falcon 9 rockets per week into space with Starlink satellite payloads onboard. Currently, there are firm plans to build out that number to around 12,000 satellites. However, there are longer-term and less-defined plans to launch as many as 42,000 Starlink satellites.
A Chinese rival to Starlink
The Chinese Government’s efforts to build a rival constellation through entities like SSST reflect the growing importance of satellite communications. This includes satellite military communications. The Chinese Government has reportedly observed how the Ukranian military has relied on StarLink to fight against Russia. They see satellite-based communications as having a similar utility within their own armed forces. However, SpaceX is unlikely to provide a similar service to the Chinese military as it does to the Ukrainian military. However, the Spacesail Constellation offers the government a sovereign satellite communications capability.
The rollout of state-sponsored Chinese satellite constellations is receiving relatively little coverage. However, it is significant because of their likely dual civil and military uses.
SSST only launched the first Spacesail satellites last August. Including this week’s deployment, it now has 197 satellites in orbit. Like Starlink, it is keen to make inroads in international markets. Earlier this year, SSST inked an agreement with Malaysia’s Measat Global Bhd to provide them with satellite broadband services. It has signed an agreement with Brazil to provide satellite communication services there starting next year. There are also plans to open a subsidiary business in Kazakhstan to facilitate expansion in that country.
In January 2025, the existing Spacesail constellation conducted its first network connection test to a cruise ship off Hong Kong. The trial confirmed that the constellation could provide reliable, high-speed internet services to maritime vessels. The trial vessel was a cruise ship.
But the service, when in operation, will be available to all maritime users, including the Chinese Navy.
The next Long March 8 rocket launch is scheduled for March 15. However, it is not confirmed that its payload include SSST Spacesail satellites. Chinese space launch schedules are also less transparent than US schedules. But SSST would be factoring in multiple launches over the remainder of the year to get its targeted 600 satellites into orbit.
