China Launches 18 Qianfan Satellites, Constellation Reaches 182

China successfully launched 18 satellites for its Qianfan (“Thousand Sails”) polar orbit constellation on June 4, 2026, bringing the total number of satellites in orbit to 182 and accelerating the deployment of the country’s indigenous low-Earth orbit broadband internet system. The launch took place at 19:39 Beijing time from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi Province using a Long March 6A carrier rocket, according to Xinhua News Agency.

A Growing Constellation

The 11th batch of Qianfan satellites — each a first-generation (GEN1) satellite developed by Shanghai Yuanxin Satellite Technology Co., Ltd. — successfully entered their designated polar orbit, and the mission was declared a complete success. This launch was the 648th flight of China’s Long March rocket series, the 24th flight of the Long March 6A variant, and the 268th flight test of rockets developed by the 8th Academy of CASC.

According to MyDrivers, the Qianfan constellation now numbers 182 satellites, with network deployment accelerating rapidly. The report also noted that an additional 18 satellites were scheduled for launch on June 5, which would bring the constellation to 200 satellites — making it China’s first satellite constellation to exceed that milestone.

Background: The Qianfan Project

The Qianfan constellation, also known as the “G60 Starlink” plan, was conceived as China’s indigenous low-orbit broadband satellite internet system. The project is led by the Songjiang District of Shanghai in collaboration with multiple capital partners, with Shanghai Yuanxin Satellite Technology Co., Ltd. serving as the implementation entity. The constellation represents a cornerstone of China’s strategic space infrastructure, designed to reduce dependence on foreign satellite communications and provide secure, independently controlled connectivity.

China’s Answer to Global LEO Broadband

The Qianfan constellation, also known as the “G60 Starlink” plan, is China’s independently developed low-Earth orbit satellite internet system. As IT之家 reported, the constellation is designed to provide global users with low-latency, high-speed, and highly reliable satellite broadband internet services.

The system is strategically positioned as an “independently controllable” (自主可控) technology infrastructure, emphasizing China’s drive for technological self-sufficiency. It is specifically oriented toward the Belt and Road Initiative and the overseas expansion needs of Chinese enterprises, offering integrated air-space-ground-sea communication solutions.

Three-Phase Deployment Plan

The Qianfan constellation follows an ambitious three-phase deployment strategy. Phase one aims to deploy 648 satellites to provide regional network coverage. Phase two will add another 648 satellites, bringing the total to 1,296 and enabling global network coverage. Phase three envisions over 15,000 satellites delivering diversified, integrated services.

According to IT之家, the constellation’s communication system is designed with good compatibility and can smoothly evolve to support 6G standards, ultimately achieving seamless coverage integrating terrestrial, satellite, airborne, and maritime networks.

Technical Capabilities

The Long March 6A rocket, developed by the 8th Academy of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), is a new-generation medium-lift vehicle featuring a solid-liquid strap-on design. It has a Sun-synchronous orbit payload capacity of no less than 6.5 tons at 500 kilometers altitude and can support diverse payload configurations including single-satellite, multi-satellite series, parallel, stacked, wall-mounted, and piggyback arrangements.

Strategic Implications

With 182 satellites now in orbit and a rapid launch cadence, China is positioning itself as a major player in the global LEO broadband internet market, directly competing with established constellations such as SpaceX’s Starlink. The Qianfan system represents a key component of China’s strategic space infrastructure, designed to provide secure communications for both domestic and international users.

The constellation’s long-term goal is to complete a network of over 10,000 LEO broadband multimedia satellites by the end of 2030, serving mass communications, direct-to-phone connectivity, and broadband and narrowband IoT scenarios. The system uses Ku, Q/V frequency bands and is designed with communication system compatibility that allows for smooth evolution to support 6G standards.

Commercial and Economic Impact

The rapid launch cadence demonstrates China’s growing commercial space capabilities. Shanghai Yuanxin Satellite Technology represents a new wave of Chinese commercial space enterprises driving innovation in satellite manufacturing and deployment. As the constellation expands, it will compete for global broadband market share, particularly in developing nations along the Belt and Road route where Chinese infrastructure investment is already substantial.

Airbas has announced plans to incorporate the Qianfan constellation for high-speed, low-latency broadband satellite services, signaling growing commercial interest from international partners. This positions Qianfan not only as a strategic asset but also as a commercial venture with global reach.

What to Watch For

As the Qianfan constellation approaches critical mass, attention will turn to its commercial service rollout and international partnerships. The system’s ability to secure regulatory approvals for cross-border service provision and its technical competitiveness against established global players will be key factors determining its success in the global broadband market.