China has filed plans to launch 193,428 satellites across two vast constellations, a move that would more than double the number of active satellites currently circling Earth.
At a Glance
- China seeks permission for two constellations of 96,714 satellites each
- Combined fleet would orbit between 186 miles and 12,427 miles above Earth
- Purpose and satellite types remain undisclosed
- Why it matters: The filings signal China’s push to dominate orbital real estate ahead of global competitors
The Institute of Radio Spectrum Utilization and Technological Innovation in China submitted the request to the International Telecommunications Union. The proposed constellations, named CTC-1 and CTC-2, would operate across a sweeping range of radio frequencies.
Massive scale
Orbital altitudes in the filings span:
- Low Earth orbit: 186-372 miles (300-600 km)
- High Earth orbit: up to 12,427 miles (20,000 km)
For comparison, SpaceX’s Starlink satellites fly at roughly 342 miles (500 km).
The sheer number of spacecraft-nearly 200,000-would dwarf every existing fleet. Only about 12,000 satellites currently orbit Earth, with SpaceX operating the largest single constellation of 9,400 Starlinks.
Unknown mission
Neither the Chinese institute nor the filings detail what the satellites will do. The application lists broad radio-frequency allocations but offers no clues about payloads, services, or customers.
China is already building two other constellations:
- Guowang: planned 13,000 satellites
- Qianfan: planned 12,000 satellites
CTC-1 and CTC-2 would add an order of magnitude more hardware to those tallies.
Regulatory limbo
The International Telecommunications Union has not yet reviewed the new filings. No launch schedule has been published, and no regulatory body has granted market access or spectrum rights.
Analysts note that submitting paperwork can serve as a placeholder, securing orbital slots and frequencies before competitors file similar claims.
Crowded skies
Satellite growth has accelerated sharply. In 2020, only 2,500-3,000 spacecraft were active. Current projections estimate 560,000 satellites could be operational by 2040 if all filed plans materialize.
SpaceX alone has FCC approval for 30,000 Starlinks and aims for an eventual 42,000. Last week the Commission authorized an additional 7,500 Starlink satellites.
Key takeaways
- China’s CTC-1 and CTC-2 filings total 193,428 spacecraft
- Combined fleet would orbit at altitudes from 186 miles to 12,427 miles
- Purpose remains undisclosed; no launch timeline exists
- Filings may be a strategic move to secure spectrum and orbital slots
- If launched, the constellations would dramatically expand humanity’s presence in space
