China Advances Satellite Network with 8th Launch in Internet Megaconstellation Project

Speedy Summary

• China launched the eighth batch of satellites for its Guowang broadband internet megaconstellation on August 13,2025.
• The launch was conducted using the Long March 5B rocket from Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan at 2:43 p.m. local time.
• Guowang, managed by China Satnet (established in 2021), aims to establish a network of approximately 13,000 satellites when complete.
• Currently in early stages,each mission is launching only eight to ten satellites due to their larger size compared to other networks like SpaceX Starlink.
• For comparison, SpaceX’s Starlink has nearly 8,100 operational satellites and can deploy up to 28 per launch.
• Notable progress: This latest liftoff marks the fourth Guowang launch within three weeks, signifying an acceleration in deployment pace.
• Another Chinese satellite constellation called Qianfan (“Thousand Sails”) is also under development with similar scale ambitions as Guowang.

!A Chinese Long March 5B rocket launches the eighth batch of satellites for the Guowang internet megaconstellation from Hainan island on aug. 13,2025

Read More: China launches new batch of internet satellites

Indian Opinion Analysis

The rapid expansion and technological advancements showcased by China’s space programme highlight growing international competition in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations-essential for global broadband services and strategic communication capabilities. initiatives like China’s Guowang or Qianfan are not isolated projects; they reflect broader geopolitical motivations including achieving self-reliance in communications infrastructure while counterbalancing projects such as SpaceX’s Starlink or Amazon’s Project Kuiper.

For India, advancing space ambitions via ISRO’s upcoming satellite programs remains vital amid such developments. Strengthening partnerships with global stakeholders while exploring indigenous initiatives could ensure a competitive edge as connectivity demand spikes worldwide-especially across remote regions critical for economic integration and national security goals.