Is the construction of space internet about to be completed?

A few days ago, the first batch of six refrigerator-sized satellites owned by American satellite startup OneWeb were launched with European rockets on Wednesday local time. This is the world's first officially deployed broadband LEO satellite constellation, which can provide Internet-like access services. This successful launch means that mankind is one step closer to realizing low-cost space Internet.

OneWeb's space Internet plan is to deploy 648 small satellites in low orbit, which is 0/200 km away from the Earth, to form a constellation network, so as to realize a satellite communication network covering the whole world. Its competitor, Space Exploration Technology Company, put forward a grand constellation plan to deploy 1200 stars.

Space Internet is a new type of communication network, that is, by launching hundreds or even thousands of small satellites for many times, satellite constellations are formed in low orbit to realize space-based interconnection. This space network will always keep at least one satellite able to see the terminals on the earth at any time, and use these satellites as "air base stations" to provide seamless coverage services for most parts of the earth. No matter where you are in the barren hills, next door, desert and ocean, and in any corner of the earth, you can use the high-speed network connected by satellite, including air flight.

China can't be immune to the competition of space Internet. China Aerospace Science and Industry Group launched "Fortune Project". The first step is to launch the first technical verification satellite in February 20 18, and the second step is to launch four operational test satellites for network trial operation. In 2020, the business test system will be completed. In 2022, the entire constellation will be deployed and operated, and a space-based broadband Internet consisting of 156 satellites will be built, forming a low-orbit broadband Internet. China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation launched "Hongyan Constellation", which is a constellation of communication satellites deployed in low orbit. The first phase of the construction project will launch 54 satellites, and the second phase will be implemented in the later stage to realize a smooth transition of system capacity. The number of satellites will exceed 300.