China has filed a request with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for an unprecedented space project: the launch of up to 200,000 satellites, potentially creating one of the largest satellite networks in history.
The applications come from multiple Chinese entities, with the largest two, currently referred to as CTC-1 and CTC-2, each proposing nearly 97,000 satellites. To put this in perspective, SpaceX’s Starlink currently has permission for a maximum of 42,000 satellites. Countries and companies are increasingly vying for control of the space above Earth, and rising geopolitical tensions are accelerating this race.
Why China Wants Its Own Satellite Network
Reliable satellite internet is becoming crucial worldwide—not just for providing connectivity to remote areas, but also for emergency communications, navigation, and military applications. For China, developing its own network reduces reliance on foreign systems such as Starlink. By submitting these applications now, China aims to secure orbital slots and radio spectrum in advance. Even if only a portion of the satellites are ultimately launched, the rights to the reserved space are already secured.
Strategic Move or Realistic Plan?
At this stage, the project appears more strategic than operational. The ITU sets strict conditions for such applications: the first satellites must be operational within two years, half within five years, and the entire network within seven years. If deadlines are missed, rights may be partially revoked. While this prevents unlimited space claims, it allows China to establish a significant presence in orbit in the near term.
Potential Risks
Launching hundreds of thousands of satellites is unlikely in the immediate future—and for good reason. Increased traffic in low Earth orbit raises the risk of collisions and the creation of space debris. Experts warn that without careful management, Earth’s orbit could become increasingly crowded and hazardous, creating a “space junk” problem that mirrors challenges we face on the planet’s surface.
The emerging space race demonstrates that geopolitical competition is no longer limited to Earth—it is now extending into orbit.
