Will delayed launch put China’s plans to build Starlink rival at long-term risk?

Qianfan’s pause may affect 2024 goals but network of 10,000 satellites is an endeavour of a decade or more, experts say

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A batch of satellites is launched aboard a modified Long March-6 carrier rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre in north China’s Shanxi Province in October. Photo: CCTV

Published: 4:00pm, 26 Dec 2024Updated: 8:29pm, 26 Dec 2024

China has paused deployment of its Qianfan broadband satellite network amid reports of major propulsion problems, potentially hindering plans to catch up with SpaceX’s Starlink.

A fourth batch of 18 satellites was due to leave the Wenchang spaceport on the southern island province of Hainan on December 23 but departure was postponed to next year, according to the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology.

According to videos shared on Chinese social media, the Long March-8 rocket that was to carry the satellites into low-Earth orbit arrived at Wenchang in November and was rolled out to the launch pad 10 days ago, before it was returned to its assembly building.

The delay prompted widespread discussion in China’s space community. Industry experts and enthusiasts have speculated online about the possible cause, with many focused on the possibility of malfunctioning propulsion systems.

China’s plans for the Qianfan Constellation, which saw its first components launched in August, called for the launch of 108 satellites in 2024 – enough to establish initial commercial service capabilities, a goal that now seems out of reach.

In the long run, however, the constellation’s development may remain on track. Building a network of more than 10,000 satellites is, by its nature, a long-term endeavour that will span a decade or more.