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As nations race to launch thousands of internet satellites, the growing congestion in low Earth orbit raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of the space environment.Bristol TodayA bold new space race is unfolding, with China aiming to launch an unprecedented number of internet satellites. Chinese companies have revealed plans to launch over 200,000 satellites, submitting applications to the UN’s International Telecommunication Union (ITU). This announcement comes amidst growing tensions over orbital resources and the potential risks of satellite congestion.
Why it matters
The United States and China have been engaged in a fierce competition to launch internet satellite megaconstellations, with SpaceX taking an early lead. However, the limited availability of radio frequency bands and orbital slots in low Earth orbit means that early adopters can gain significant advantages. This development raises questions about the sustainability and safety of satellite megaconstellations, as the potential for collisions and interference becomes a growing concern.
The details
A dozen Chinese satellite ventures have filed applications with the ITU, with the largest projects, CTC-1 and CTC-2, each proposing a staggering 96,714 satellites. These ambitious plans were submitted by the newly established Institute of Radio Spectrum Utilisation and Technological Innovation, registered in China’s Hebei province just days before the ITU filings. On Friday, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved SpaceX’s request to launch an additional 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, bringing their total to 15,000. Starlink has also applied for permission to launch 30,000 satellites, but a decision on this request has been deferred.
- On April 12, 2026, Chinese companies submitted applications to the ITU for over 200,000 internet satellites.
- On April 7, 2026, the US FCC approved SpaceX’s request to launch an additional 7,500 Starlink satellites.
The players
China
A country that has revealed plans to launch an unprecedented number of internet satellites, challenging the dominance of SpaceX’s Starlink.
SpaceX
An American aerospace company that has taken an early lead in the race to launch internet satellite megaconstellations, with its Starlink project.
Institute of Radio Spectrum Utilisation and Technological Innovation
A newly established organization in China’s Hebei province that registered just days before submitting applications for the CTC-1 and CTC-2 satellite projects, which together propose 193,428 satellites.
US Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
The US government agency that approved SpaceX’s request to launch an additional 7,500 Starlink satellites, bringing their total to 15,000.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
The United Nations agency responsible for issues that concern information and communication technologies, including the allocation of global satellite orbits.
What they’re saying
“We must ensure that the deployment of satellite megaconstellations does not lead to a crowded and potentially dangerous space environment.”
— Unnamed expert
What’s next
The ITU will review the applications from China and other countries for satellite megaconstellations, and will need to determine how to allocate the limited orbital resources and radio frequency bands in a fair and sustainable manner.
The takeaway
The race to launch massive satellite constellations highlights the growing competition for control over orbital resources and the potential risks of a crowded space environment. As countries and companies vie for dominance in the new space economy, policymakers will need to balance the benefits of global connectivity with the need to ensure the long-term sustainability of space exploration and utilization.
