SpaceSail Reaches 200 Satellites, Starts Maritime Tracking as It Courts 30 Countries
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 25
SpaceSail Reaches 200 Satellites, Starts Maritime Tracking as It Courts 30 Countries
2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 25
Summary
SpaceSail’s 12th launch has lifted its active constellation to at least 200 satellites, giving the Chinese network enough coverage to start its first commercial service tracking ships at sea.
The state-backed project, launched in 2023 with 6.7 billion yuan ($943 million) in initial funding, says it will expand to 648 satellites by end-2026 and eventually more than 15,000 for global broadband coverage.
That still leaves it far behind Starlink, which operates about 10,413 satellites and serves more than 12 million users across 160 countries and territories.
SpaceSail is trying to gain ground where Starlink has faced political or regulatory friction, including Brazil—where it won approval in February—and Kazakhstan, while also negotiating service launches with 30 countries.
Analysts say the company’s overseas push also serves China’s security and infrastructure goals, though its growth will depend on winning rockets and funding against domestic rival SatNet.