The first satellite launch of the 'Chinese version of Starlink'

The first satellite of China's "網 (National Internet Network)" project, which will face SpaceX's satellite Internet network Starlink, has been launched.

China's state-run CCTV reported that a low-orbit satellite for satellite Internet was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Station in southern Hainan Province at around 6 p.m. local time yesterday.

Chinese state media said the satellites entered a set orbit and the launch was successful, but did not disclose the number of satellites launched this time.King Guo, dubbed the

'Chinese version of Starlink', aims to provide Internet services by building a low-orbit satellite group of 13,000 by 2035.

However, Hong Kong media outlet SCMP noted that although China submitted the Guo Wang project to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) in 2020, progress appears to have been slower than expected.

Rather, the "千帆" (a thousand sails) project, led by the city of Shanghai, has already launched 54 satellites this year, speeding up its business.

Currently, Starlink in the U.S. is leading the global satellite Internet competition by launching more than 6,700 satellites.

China is stepping up efforts to build its own space internet network after witnessing Ukraine restarting internet services thanks to Starlink support even as Russia's invasion destroyed its information and communications infrastructure.