China launches internet test satellites

China has sent 3 satellites into space to test the application of technologies to be used in internet satellite networks.

According to China Daily, the satellites, called “Space-Based Internet Satellite Test Vehicle”, were launched from the Ciuçüen Satellite Center in the Gobi Desert with a Long March 2C rocket.

While the satellites settled into their planned orbital position after the launch, this was the 505th successful transportation mission with Long March rockets.

Aiming to create a team satellite network similar to US space company SpaceX’s Starlink internet satellite network, China plans to position 12,992 satellites in Low Earth Orbit.

Test satellites were launched in July, November and December this year to test and develop orbital technologies for the constellation satellite network.