China Launches Rival to Starlink: 18 Satellites Into Orbit

China has taken a significant step in the space race by successfully launching 18 satellites into low Earth orbit. This effort, led by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, aims to create a constellation to rival SpaceX's Starlink network. The launch marks a vital strategic move for Beijing.

On Tuesday, a Chinese state-owned enterprise successfully placed 18 satellites into orbit, as reported by state broadcaster CCTV. This marks China's initial step towards building its own constellation to compete with U.S. firm SpaceX's Starlink network.

The Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) carried out the launch at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre located in Shanxi province. This low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite launch signifies an important milestone for China's space ambitions.

A state-backed newspaper revealed on Monday that this launch is part of a broader strategy to establish a commercial broadband network similar to the Starlink network, which currently has around 5,500 satellites serving various sectors including consumers, companies, and government agencies.

(With inputs from agencies.)