China's Guowang Satellites Launch Raises US Concerns

China has launched its first batch of internet satellites, known as the Guowang megaconstellation, to compete with SpaceX's Starlink. The launch, which took place from the Wenchang Space Launch Site, utilized the Long March 5B rocket with a Yuanzheng-2 upper stage to place ten satellites in low Earth orbit. This marks a significant step in China's plan to establish a network of 13,000 satellites to provide satellite internet. The Guowang project, managed by the state-owned China Satellite Network Group, aims to expand China's launch capacity and includes developing new commercial rockets. The initiative raises concerns for the US Space Force due to its potential military applications, as it mirrors the global communication ambitions of other large constellations. According to the ITU, China is required to launch half of the Guowang satellites by 2032 to meet international regulations.