How China Is Challenging Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellite Service

In early December, China launched its third batch of low Earth orbit, or LEO, internet satellites for a constellation called Qianfan or “Thousand Sails” as it’s also known. The project aims to rival SpaceX’s Starlink and will be made up of 15,000 satellites. China is also working on two other satellite constellations: Guo Wang and Honghu-3, which have plans to deploy 13,000 and 10,000 satellites respectively. Experts say having its own satellite internet systems will grant China geopolitical influence and national security. But currently, China needs more rockets to launch all if its planned satellites to orbit.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
2:21 - Starlink’s competition
4:29 - Ready for liftoff?
5:51 - Why build these constellations?
9:44 - Looking ahead

Credits:
Produced, Shot and Edited by: Magdalena Petrova
Animation: Jason Reginato
Supervising Producer: Jeniece Pettitt
Additional Footage: Getty Images, Reuters
Additional Sources: Investopedia, National Space Centre, Congressional Budget Office

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How China Is Challenging Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellite Service

[ericxu]

one thing is amazing is that the US media never predict things right but still act like a professional one

[misyru]

Germany used to think Chinese cars wouldn’t be a threat to their auto industry.

[MGZetta]

They said China doesn't allow western free internet by startlink but at the same breath they also said they don't allow Chinese startlink to exist in the west. Isn't that justifying China? Or people too far gone to notice that?

[pimisi]

China is not “challenging SpaceX”, they are building their own.

[keirenle]

It s great that the China has their own internet constellation system. More competition in the market

[jilidkuminding]

China : Powering Asia and the World 🌍 # ❤ from Malaysia

[DanBurgaud]

FYI: New Huawei phones, the one that Raimondo promotes, are Satellite capable.

[habf]

The US is freaking out whenever China is doing something right!

[Kevin-kdhf]

You cannot show china without showing Chinese soldiers, because Chinese tech is all about military might, while US tech is all about bringing freedom and happiness to the world, right?😂

[Lena-vwye]

To be fair, who is the US to be the one to dictate the rules of space? They didn't have those before, and suddenly when others are joining the game, they most likely want to start creating rules.

[Lombwolf]

I hope we see a new space race, it’s a lot better when countries fight competitively through technological innovation rather than by fighting wars.

[itsyo]

CNBC you need to start moderating your comment section and blacklist those words that promote scam

[Mantim]

Chinese companies are state backed, but what about elon musk, he himself is govt of usa..😂

[rickace]

It's good that there are different options. You cannot have one country control everything.

[midniteking]

I can see the word overcapacity in upcoming years😂😂😂😂😂

[willeisinga]

China Speed for a better World. Thank You China.❤❤❤👍

[DingDingTao]

Happy to see that China was not willing to share the moon soil sample with NASA.

[F.J._Claes]

It's inevitable. China will be the most advanced and wealthy nation the world has ever known.

[CaferTugba]

With Elon and Trump now working with Qarden Token is going to absolutely blow up

[BurcuUmit-tb]

Qarden Token will make millionaires, after CEX listing it will blow up.