China successfully launches test satellite for satellite internet

Test satellite for satellite internet technology successfully enters orbit with Long March-2D rocket.

A Long March-2D carrier rocket, carrying a test satellite for satellite internet technology, launches from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on April 1, 2025. Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

China successfully launched a test satellite for satellite internet technology into space on April 1 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, located in northwest China. The mission marked another major step in the country’s effort to develop advanced space-based internet services, aimed at improving global broadband connectivity.

The satellite lifted off aboard a Long March-2D carrier rocket at 12:00 Beijing time (11:00 WIB) and successfully entered its planned orbit. This testbed satellite is designed for technical verification and experiments, particularly focusing on mobile broadband connections to satellites and the integration of space and ground networks.

The launch was the 567th flight mission for the Long March series carrier rocket, further cementing China’s position as a leading spacefaring nation.

Advancing satellite internet technology

The successful launch of this satellite internet testbed demonstrates China’s ongoing efforts to enhance global internet coverage through space-based networks. The satellite will undergo a series of experiments and verification tests to evaluate its capabilities in supporting broadband communications, space-ground network integration, and real-time data transmission.

Among the key objectives of the mission are:

Testing mobile broadband connections between the satellite and ground-based receivers.
Assessing integration technologies to link space-based internet with terrestrial networks.
Improving satellite-based data transmission speeds for more efficient communication.
Enhancing connectivity in remote areas where traditional infrastructure is limited.

This project is part of China’s broader strategy to develop a satellite internet network that can support high-speed, low-latency global communications. The success of this testbed mission will provide critical data for the future deployment of a large-scale broadband satellite constellation.

Long March-2D: A proven space launch vehicle

The Long March-2D rocket, which carried the satellite into orbit, is part of China’s Long March rocket family, known for its reliability and versatility in space missions. This latest launch marked its 567th flight, reinforcing the rocket’s track record of successful missions.

Key features of the Long March-2D include:

A two-stage launch system, designed for precise orbital insertions.
A payload capacity of up to 1,200 kg for low Earth orbit (LEO).
Liquid-fueled propulsion, ensuring stable and controlled launches.
Capability to launch multiple satellites in a single mission.

China has been consistently improving its launch vehicle technology to support more ambitious space missions, including lunar exploration, interplanetary probes, and large-scale satellite networks. The continued success of the Long March series highlights China’s growing dominance in space technology.

China’s ambitions for global satellite internet

With the rapid expansion of satellite internet technology, China aims to establish a global broadband network capable of providing high-speed connectivity across the world. The country’s major initiatives in this sector include:

Guowang Project, a mega-constellation of satellites designed to compete with Starlink.
Development of high-speed data relay satellites, improving inter-satellite communication.
Advancements in quantum communication technologies, ensuring secure satellite-based internet services.

China’s progress in satellite internet infrastructure is expected to boost digital connectivity in underserved regions, enhance disaster response capabilities, and strengthen national security.

The future of China’s space-based internet network

As China continues to invest in space-based communication systems, the success of this latest launch paves the way for future advancements in global satellite internet services. The data gathered from the test satellite will play a crucial role in developing next-generation broadband solutions, ensuring faster and more reliable connectivity worldwide.

With an aggressive push into satellite communications, China is positioning itself as a key player in the future of space-based internet, challenging existing providers and expanding global access to high-speed broadband.