Competition in the space sector is intensifying, and China is striving to strengthen its position in this race. To this end, Beijing plans to create a giant satellite network in outer space. This step aims to achieve technological superiority and ensure its strategic security.
Redaksiya reports, citing Unian, that this plan, put forward by Nanjing University of Aeronautics, covers issues such as "ensuring electromagnetic security in low Earth orbit, complex defense systems, evaluating the electromagnetic security of airspace, and control services for the safety of low Earth orbit airspace." According to the "Daily Mail" publication, these satellite constellations, named CTC-1 and CTC-2, will each consist of 96,714 satellites placed in 3,660 different orbits. Together, CTC-1 and CTC-2 will be the largest satellite constellation ever launched into orbit, depriving rivals of access to low Earth orbit.
This project is being implemented against the backdrop of increasing tension between the US and China in the realm of space ambitions. Both countries are primarily trying to establish a permanent presence on the Moon, while also competing for dominance in low-orbit satellites. China is testing several "fast" spacecraft capable of moving in geostationary orbit, returning falling satellites to orbit, or potentially damaging US space assets. At the same time, CTC-1 and CTC-2 can perform many harmless functions, such as monitoring extreme weather conditions, providing navigation for aircraft, and offering communication services like Starlink.
While China may have legitimate goals for creating these constellations, there is no obstacle to the country submitting a "fake" application to block a portion of space for future use. These two new constellations could be part of China's growing military space presence, but a more serious concern is that they could be part of "land grabbing." "Perhaps they are simply trying to create space for themselves for the future," said Victoria Samson, Director of Space Security and Stability at the Secure World Foundation. Currently, China's commercial sector can launch approximately 300 spacecraft per year and plans to expand production to up to 600, while the state can produce several hundred more. China has submitted an application to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to launch approximately 200,000 satellites, raising suspicions about the country's intention to create a "mega-constellation" in space.