The low earth orbit (LEO) satellite, which has communications capability of 10Gbps, will provide users with broadband communication services through satellite terminals. Now the satellite is in orbit, having been carried on the Kuaizhou-1A (Y9) rocket from the Jiuquan satellite launch centre, relevant technology and operational verifications will now be carried out accordingly.
GalaxySpace was founded in 2016 with the aim of mass-producing low-cost, high-performance satellites through an agile and fast-iterative development model. Building the "world's leading LEO broadband satellite constellation and a global coverage with 5G communication network".
The Beijing-based communications satellite provider's mission is to improve the network connection condition of all regions and individuals with its low latency 5G satellites to create a global converged 5G communications network. Via the satellite constellation, status and information of global scale IoT networks can be accessed, monitored, transmitted and shared in a real-time, seamless and secure way.
The constellation will consist of up to 1,000 communication satellites deployed on 500km-1,000km LEOs, seamlessly expanding the terrestrial communication networks. Aligning with 5G standards, the constellation will allow users to access 5G networks with high speed and flexibility, using small, intelligent, low-cost satellite user terminals that are suitable for use in schools, homes, automobiles, aircrafts and many other scenarios.
The satellites were developed in collaboration with the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CAST), with the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) and with the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation (CETC). When the Galaxy constellation satellite approaches the end of its service time, the satellite will automatically perform manoeuvres and then burn out in the atmosphere.
The LEO satellites will help to provide a backhaul path for terrestrial 5G base stations and the launch represents China's second of 2020 but its first in regards to 5G technology.
