G60 Starlink (Qianfan)

The G60 Starlink constellation—also known as Qianfan ("Thousand Sails")—is being developed by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology under the auspices of the Shanghai G60 Science and Technology Corridor. The long-term plan calls for approximately 12,000 satellites. Initial deployment began in 2024, with the first operational batches launched that year. The constellation is intended to provide global broadband connectivity and represents China's most visible commercial challenge to Starlink in the international market.

When the project was announced, the plan called for: 108 satellites during 2024; 648 satellites by the end of 2025; 1,296 satellites in the first operational phase; and more than 14,000–15,000 satellites by about 2030. Deployment began on 6 August 2024, when the first batch of 18 satellites was launched aboard a Long March 6A rocket. Additional batches followed in October and December 2024. By mid-2025, reports indicated that only about 90 satellites had been launched, well short of the target needed to reach 648 by the end of that year. Since then, launch activity has accelerated. Multiple sources indicate that by early 2026 the constellation had several hundred satellites in orbit, with one source stating approximately 504 satellites launched by April 2026.

Recent launches are continuing at a steady pace. For example: 18 satellites were launched on 7 April 2026; another batch was launched in May 2026; and two additional Qianfan satellites were launched on the maiden flight of the reusable Long March 12B on 1 June 2026.