BEIJING (Agencies): China has successfully launched the Smart SkyNet-1 01 satellite into its predetermined orbit using the Long March-3B carrier rocket. The launch took place at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province. This marks China’s first medium Earth orbit (MEO) communication satellite.
The Smart SkyNet, a project initially developed by Tsinghua University, comprises eight MEO communication satellites. These satellites are deployed in an orbit at an altitude of 20,000 kilometers, forming a communication constellation that provides global coverage. The constellation can be expanded to include two groups, four groups, or other network configurations as required.
The completion of the constellation aims to provide personalized broadband network services with global coverage, eliminating blind spots. It will establish a unified 6G network with low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites Internet and high Earth orbit satellites Internet, enabling access for all types of users across various scenarios and domains.
Following the launch of the Smart SkyNet-1 01 satellite, it will facilitate on-demand access for users and interconnectivity between Internet services and terrestrial cellular services. The satellite will also conduct application demonstrations for typical scenarios after in-orbit operation. These include direct connection of scientific research data between China and Antarctic research stations and real-time return of LEO satellite data. This will lay a solid foundation for the construction of an innovative experimental platform for space network and the exploration of the application mode of the Smart SkyNet industry.
This launch marks the 521st flight mission of the Long March rocket series.