Geespace Successfully Launches Third Batch of Satellites for Megaconstellation

Geespace, backed by Chinese automaker Geely, launched its third batch of 10 low Earth orbit satellites to create a megaconstellation. This constellation aims to offer 24-hour global communication, modeling after SpaceX's Starlink. Geespace plans to have 72 satellites in orbit by 2025 to service over 200 million users.

Geespace, a company supported by Chinese automaker Geely, announced on Friday the successful launch of a third batch of satellites to build a megaconstellation. Dubbed as China's answer to SpaceX's Starlink, the 10 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites took off from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre in Shanxi province, according to the company's statement.

This latest addition brings the constellation to 30 satellites, covering 90% of the globe with 24-hour communication services, Geespace said. Marking a significant milestone, the deployment represents the first time a Chinese commercial aerospace firm has offered LEO satellite communication on a global scale.

Geespace, established by Geely Technology Group in 2018, aims to place nearly 6,000 LEO satellites to provide global broadband. The initiative is part of a multi-phase plan to rival SpaceX's Starlink, which currently operates about 5,500 satellites. The first construction phase targets 72 satellites by 2025, while subsequent phases will expand capabilities for mobile phone communications and high-speed broadband.

(With inputs from agencies.)