China's Qianfan low orbit satellite constellation reaches 200 satellites in orbit: 1,296 by 2027, over 15,000 in perspective — the race for the "golden orbit" at 500–600 km

Starlink already operates more than 12,400 active satellites, accounting for over 60% of the world's total. China is now responding: since 2021, the Qianfan (GMI) program aims for global coverage, eliminating "dead zones" in mountains, deserts, and oceans, and serving Belt and Road countries.

As reported by CCTV+, Hu Haiying, commander of China's low orbit satellite internet constellation "Qianfan", gave an interview to China Media Group (CMG) on June 3 in Shanghai, discussing the program's background, intensifying international competition for orbital resources, and the country's progress in satellite development.

Qianfan is China's first giant low orbit commercial satellite constellation, now in the formal network deployment phase. Like Starlink, it operates at altitudes of 300 to 2,000 kilometers.

China was actually an early explorer, launching its first experimental low orbit satellite in 2003, before Starlink existed. But today, as of June 2026, Starlink operates over 12,400 active satellites — more than 60% of the global total. Its approved 42,000 satellite constellation will occupy about 70% of low orbit capacity, especially the "golden orbit" at 500–600 km for direct cellular connectivity. China's share is less than 10% of all active spacecraft worldwide. The International Telecommunication Union follows a "first come, first served" rule.

Against this backdrop, China began developing the Qianfan system (officially the Global Multimedia Satellite System, GMI) in 2021. It initially targets Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries and Chinese overseas enterprises in regions where Starlink has limited or politically blocked coverage.

As of June 5, 200 Qianfan satellites are in orbit, with high frequency launches continuing. By July 2026, the network is expected to consist of 324 satellites. The project has three phases: first, 1,296 satellites by 2027; second, about 10,000 satellites by 2030; third, over 15,000 satellites, integrating multimedia and remote sensing into the 6G ecosystem.

Hu Haiying explained that traditional satellites followed a "zero failure at all costs" philosophy, as they were government funded. Demand has changed. The team redesigned satellites into flat panels that can be efficiently stacked. The first batch of 18 satellites launched in August 2024. Progress has been slower than expected, partly due to the lack of reusable rockets. "I believe we will achieve reusability in the near future, and launch capabilities are also evolving," Hu said.

He detailed the deployment mechanism: 18 satellites are stacked together, held by four connecting rods. The upper stage rotates the entire stack, and the satellites separate one by one like pebbles skipping on water.

While Starlink builds its megaconstellation, China deploys Qianfan. This is not just a race of satellites — it is a struggle for the right to connect those who still live without a signal. Mountains, oceans, deserts will cease to be "dead zones" the moment a Chinese satellite passes overhead. And the flat, spinning panels in orbit look like petals of a technological flower trying to catch up with a rival that has raced ahead. Time will tell who claims the "golden altitude".