SpaceSail's ambitions ahead of Starlink

China 's domestic project

SpaceSail is a new project launched in 2023 by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology Company (SSST) with the goal of providing "high-speed, secure, and reliable" broadband internet services worldwide. Lan Xinzhen, a commentator for the Beijing Review, stated that the launch of SpaceSail also aims to ensure national security and will ultimately support "overseas projects, maritime trade, and diplomatic missions" without relying on Western companies or infrastructure.

The SpaceSail logo. Photo: Reuters

SSST is supported by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Shanghai Municipal Government, with initial funding of 6.7 billion yuan (US$943 million).

SpaceSail launched its first satellites in August 2024, placing 18 flat-plate satellites into orbit using a Long March 6A rocket. To date, at least 200 SpaceSail satellites are operational in Earth orbit, following its 12th and most recent launch using a Long March 8 rocket in June 2026. SpaceSail says it now has enough satellites to begin its first commercial application, tracking ships at sea. The company aims to begin offering more widespread commercial services by the end of 2026, when the total number of operational satellites in orbit is expected to reach 648.

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SpaceSail's ultimate goal is to deploy more than 15,000 satellites to provide global coverage by 2030.

Entering the international market

SpaceSail and Starlink satellites both operate in low Earth orbit (LEO), approximately 300-2,000 km above the planet's surface. They function as high-altitude base stations, close enough to provide low-latency connectivity. This network is designed to eliminate "dead zones" in places like remote mountainous areas, deep oceans, or far-flung polar regions, where ground-based base stations cannot reach.

SpaceSail is still relatively small compared to Starlink. The Starlink system has approximately 10,413 operational satellites and continues to grow. Starlink is the largest satellite network ever built, accounting for two-thirds of all satellites operating in Earth orbit. Starlink currently has over 12 million users in 160 countries and territories.

SpaceSail is reportedly in negotiations with 30 countries to deploy its service and has achieved success as an alternative to Starlink in places where deals with Musk's company have fallen through. For example, SpaceSail secured a major contract in February 2026 in Brazil, where authorities clashed with Musk in 2024 over allegations that the billionaire did not censor content on his social media platform X.

To fuel SpaceSail's ambitious international competition plans, SSST is seeking three new investors to contribute 15 billion yuan ($1.94 billion), equivalent to 20% of the company's shares. This fundraising comes after SpaceX's record-breaking initial public offering (IPO) valued the company at $85.7 billion and its Starlink expansion plans.

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Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/tham-vong-cua-spacesail-truc-starlink-a208122.html