Chinese Internet Megaconstellation Failure Leaves Cloud of Debris

The first batch of eighteen Qianfan (“Thousand Sails”) satellites that soared for low Earth orbit (LEO) from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre, broke apart and spread across the earth’s orbit as a cloud of debris. The broadband network’s satellite was supposed to house around 14,000 spacecraft. It was launched by a Long March 6A rocket in North China.

Crash of Chinese Megaconstellation Satellite

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation later revealed the space mission as a success.  The batch of 18 satellites was successfully launched into the Low Earth orbit. LEO is nearly 500 miles (800 km) off the ground. However, soon after, it was noticed that, after the upper stage got separated, the spacecraft started forming a cloud of debris. The debris cloud is one of the thousand other similar clouds that are orbiting the Earth, according to reports published by the United States Space Command (USSPACECOM).

United States Space Command, claimed that the Long March 6A rocket was destroyed, leaving more than 300 pieces of trackable debris in low earth orbit. Furthermore, USSPACECOM will continue its work. The routine conjunction and spacecraft assessment will continue to ensure the safety, durability and sustainability of the space domain. USSPACECOM hasn’t claimed any urgent hazards that need immediate attention.

The Objectives of Qianfan-

Qianfan satellite is a landmark event of China for the world satellite internet industry to create the Chinese counterpart of their nation’s Starlink.

The Qianfan mega constellation project, also known as G60, was initiated in 2023. G60 aimed to offer the domestic internet customer better and more comprehensive communication services. According to the media report, through this project, an estimated 15000 low-earth Earth Orbit network will be established for wide-screen multimedia satellites in the long run.

Starlink LEO Megaconstellation-

SpaceX’s Starlink is utilised to provide more than 6200 satellites with the needed internet access around the world, including people, agencies, and industries. SpaceX throughout the year launched more than 50 dedicated Starlink missions. Doubtlessly, SpaceX has already planned for plenty more and as a result, the numbers are constantly rising. 12,000 Starlink spacecraft are already permitted to launch in Low Earth Orbit as internet satellites.  Elon Musk’s brainchild has further requested 30,000 rockets to be launched in the LEO.

Qianfan Vs. Starlink-

Qianfan and Starlink, both companies, make use of multi-layer, multi-orbit network designs and top-notch satellite communication technologies. It is pointed out that in order to accommodate and keep up with the demand of their consumers, Qianfan puts a heightened focus on multimedia actions and the internet and broadband communication services for their satellites. Qianfan is highly concentrated on providing intensive and effective communication services to the domestic consumer. However, when it comes to market placement, Starlink has already established itself in the global market and the market is expanding day by day. Starlink achieved significant success in the US and Global market.

The Debris Cloud-

This is not the first instance where a debris cloud formed in orbit, created by the A Long March 6A, which weighs over 5800 kgs, leaving trackable debris around the earth. The earth’s orbit is getting more and more crowded with this space junk, as well as the active spacecraft.

Team Profile

Pratyusha JanaFreelance Journalist

Pratyusha is a passionate media student currently pursuing her Masters degree, driven by a desire to apply her academic knowledge in practical settings. She is committed to continuous learning, characterized by a strong work ethic, and prepared to make meaningful contributions to media projects.

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