As the competition for hegemony in space intensifies, signs of a new Cold War are emerging. In particular, the United States and China are striving to secure military superiority through the establishment of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication networks, which is expected to impact not only technological advancements but also international security and strategic balance.
SpaceX, operating under the United States, leads the low Earth orbit satellite internet market with Starlink, having launched over 6,700 satellites so far. It plans to deploy an additional 42,000 satellites in the future, aiming to provide high-speed internet access anywhere in the world.
Starlink demonstrated its military value during the Ukraine war. In the early stages of the war, when Russia’s attacks disabled ground communication networks, Starlink provided stable internet connectivity, supporting communication between Ukrainian military forces and civilians. This case has been recognized as evidence of the critical role satellite communication networks can play in modern battlefields.
China Pursues the U.S. with the GuoWang Project
While the U.S. is leading the low Earth orbit satellite market with Starlink, China is actively pushing forward the “GuoWang” project in response. In December last year, China successfully launched the first GuoWang satellite cluster from the Wenchang Space Launch Site in Hainan Province and has outlined plans to deploy a total of 13,000 satellites by 2035.
The GuoWang project incorporates differentiated technology compared to the existing Starlink system. Unlike Starlink, which stacks satellites vertically inside the rocket, GuoWang adopts a concentric ring structure centered around a central support cylinder. Additionally, it will operate at a higher altitude of 1,100 km than Starlink. This strategy aims to distinguish itself from existing low Earth orbit satellite systems while building a more stable communication network.
Low Earth orbit satellite communication networks are garnering attention not only for providing internet services but also for their high potential for military use, making them a focal point in international security discussions. Starlink has already proven its military utility through its application in Ukraine. In response, China is promoting the GuoWang project to enhance its national security capabilities while securing dominance in the technological competition with the U.S.
Notably, China has hinted that GuoWang satellites could possess technology capable of disrupting competing satellites, raising concerns about the potential for physical or electronic collisions between satellites. This factor could contribute to an increased risk of military conflicts in space.
As the likelihood of low Earth orbit satellite communication networks being utilized for military purposes grows, they could further escalate the arms race in space. If these satellite systems are directly integrated into military operations, conflicts on the ground may expand into space as well.
The international community must explore collaborative countermeasures to prevent such a space arms race. Reviewing existing international space treaties and establishing new regulations are necessary steps. Additionally, building a global cooperative framework to ensure the peaceful use of space is becoming increasingly important.
Ultimately, the competition between the U.S. and China over low Earth orbit satellite communication networks is not merely a race for technological development but is expected to have significant implications for international security and strategic balance. How the international community responds to these changes will likely shape the future order of space.
