Chinese Carmaker Geely Launches Satellites to Compete with SpaceX

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In a bid to expand its presence in low-Earth orbit and compete with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, Chinese carmaker Geely, through its subsidiary Geespace, successfully launched eleven communication satellites aboard a Long March CZ-2C rocket. The satellites, launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province, mark Geespace’s second venture into space following a previous launch in 2022.

Geespace aims to establish a network of satellites positioned 600 kilometers above Earth, with the goal of providing satellite-enabled features for driverless cars and supporting other functionalities in Geely vehicles. The company also envisions offering satellite links for consumer electronics, leveraging space infrastructure to enhance its market offerings.

The move reflects China’s ambitious efforts to bolster its space program, which includes landmark achievements such as Mars landings and lunar exploration missions. China has outlined plans for a significant expansion of its satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit, underscoring the country’s commitment to space exploration and technological advancement.

Despite strides made by state-owned enterprises in space development, private-sector involvement, exemplified by Geespace, remains relatively limited. SpaceX, in contrast, dominates low-Earth orbit with over 5,300 satellites in operation and ongoing launches.

Geespace faces the challenge of meeting ambitious deployment targets for its satellite constellation while navigating operational complexities and commercialization efforts. The company’s chairman, Li Shufu, a prominent figure in the automotive industry, envisions a global expansion of Geespace’s satellite services, potentially transforming satellite communication capabilities worldwide.

The completion of a satellite production facility in Taizhou, China, underscores Geespace’s commitment to scaling its space operations and meeting growing demand for satellite technology. With the evolution of telecommunications infrastructure towards 6G and increasing emphasis on satellite communication networks, Geespace anticipates significant opportunities in the market.

As the automotive sector transitions towards self-driving technologies and IoT services, satellite-enabled features are poised to play a pivotal role, driving demand for advanced communication and navigation systems. Geespace anticipates a burgeoning market landscape and aims to capitalize on emerging opportunities in satellite communications.

Geely’s foray into satellite technology reflects a strategic move to diversify its business portfolio and capitalize on the evolving dynamics of the automotive and telecommunications industries. With ambitious expansion plans and a focus on innovation, Geespace aims to carve out a significant presence in the competitive space sector.