Guowang (SatNet)

Guowang (‘National Network’) is China’s primary state-backed broadband satellite constellation. Managed by the state-owned organization China Satellite Network Group, the constellation is expected to comprise approximately 13,000 satellites. It is intended to provide nationwide and international broadband services while forming the backbone of China's sovereign satellite communications infrastructure. The program is often viewed as China's direct counterpart to Starlink and is expected to support both commercial and government users.

For several years, Guowang existed primarily as an ITU filing and organizational project under China Satellite Network Group, with only a handful of precursor and technology-demonstration satellites launched. The first batch of dedicated Guowang broadband satellites was launched on 16 December 2024 aboard a Long March 5B from Wenchang, marking the start of constellation deployment. Most analysts believe this inaugural launch carried approximately 10 satellites, although Chinese authorities released very few technical details.

Deployment accelerated during 2025, with multiple launch campaigns adding further batches of satellites. By late 2025, estimates ranged from roughly 70–150 satellites in orbit, depending on how test and operational spacecraft are counted. By early-to-mid 2026, independent trackers estimated around 160–170 Guowang satellites had been launched.