In the second half of 2023, the Yuanzheng-2 second stage will be installed on the Changzheng-5B rocket for the first time and sent into orbit with a full moon from the Wenchang Cosmodrome. They will be the first in a mega-constellation of 13,000 Internet satellites planned by China for the Gowan National Network, which will be a response to Starlink and similar Western networks.

what is known

As part of the Gowan program of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, its main task is to prepare “a rigorous flight program to meet the country’s needs for large-scale and rapid access to space.” The program envisages increasing the production of liquid oxygen and kerosene engines for the side accelerators of the two-stage Charchzhen-5V heavy rocket. It will be used to deploy a group of satellites in low Earth orbit.

The Chinese Academy of Space Technology and the Chinese Academy of Sciences Microsatellite Innovation Academy will develop satellites for the 13,000-unit constellation. The Academy will have to provide the first 30 satellites by the end of the year. Other organizations and possibly private companies will be able to participate in the project.

In recent years, China has significantly increased its satellite production. Now the country’s businesses can produce hundreds of devices a year.

According to scientists at the Beijing Telecommunication Institute, Starlink Internet service poses a serious threat to the country’s national security. Last year, the military approached the Chinese government with a proposal to develop effective technology to combat Elon Musk’s satellites.