Shanghai Lanjian Hongqing Technology Company, closely associated with commercial rocket manufacturer Landspace, has submitted an application to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for a groundbreaking satellite constellation. The plan, revealed on May 24, involves deploying 10,000 satellites under the project name Honghu-3.
Honghu-3 Constellation Plan
The filing with the ITU, known as an Advance Publication Information (API), signifies Hongqing Technology’s intention to create a vast satellite network. The Honghu-3 constellation is planned to span 160 orbital planes, with a total of 10,000 satellites. This notification allows other ITU member states to evaluate potential interference with their satellite systems.
Context and Comparisons
This proposal marks the third Chinese initiative aiming for a megaconstellation exceeding 10,000 satellites. It follows the national Guowang plan and the Shanghai-backed G60 Starlink proposal, both of which have received approval from China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). Initial satellite launches for these projects are expected soon. The development intensifies concerns about orbital congestion, collision risks, and space debris, especially as SpaceX’s Starlink already operates over 5,000 satellites and plans for up to 42,000.
Background on Hongqing Technology
Established in 2017, Hongqing Technology has significant investment from Beijing-based Landspace, which holds a 48% stake. Initially known for developing Hall thruster propulsion technology, the company is constructing a satellite manufacturing facility in Wuxi City, Jiangsu province. The specifics of funding for the Honghu-3 project remain undisclosed.
Technological Developments
Hongqing Technology’s notable Jinwu-200 (JW-200) krypton propellant Hall effect thruster was tested on the Honghu-2 satellite, launched by Landspace’s Zhuque-2 rocket in December of last year. The satellite was a collaborative effort with small satellite manufacturer Spacety.
Shanghai’s Commercial Space Ecosystem
Based in Shanghai’s Songjiang District, Hongqing Technology’s endeavors are part of broader plans to enhance satellite Internet capabilities in the area, where the G60 Starlink project is also based. These efforts align with Shanghai’s action plan to cultivate a commercial space industry, integral to China’s ambition to develop a leading satellite Internet infrastructure and become a comprehensive space power.
China’s Integrated Space Strategy
China’s overarching strategy includes the space-ground integrated information network (SGIIN), aimed at creating a unified system encompassing communication, remote sensing, navigation, and meteorological satellite capabilities.
Landspace’s Future Prospects
Meanwhile, Landspace is progressing with the development of the Zhuque-3 rocket, a reusable stainless steel, methane-liquid oxygen launcher. With a diameter of 4.5 meters, it is designed to carry 21,000 kilograms to low Earth orbit when used expendably and is expected to make its debut launch in 2025. The company has already completed initial vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) tests.
Launch Infrastructure Expansion
To support these ambitious plans, China is constructing a commercial spaceport near Wenchang. This facility aims to alleviate the current bottleneck in launch pad availability, enabling a higher launch rate necessary for assembling the planned megaconstellations.
In summary, Hongqing Technology’s Honghu-3 constellation represents a significant step in China’s expanding role in the global satellite network arena, reflecting both national ambitions and the competitive landscape of space technology.