After the successful launch of the first satellite in China's ambitious Hongyun project, the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) is reportedly now finally ready to begin trial runs. The Hongyun project was established by the country in 2016 to create a network of communication satellites in low Earth orbit. The goal of the project is to significantly improve the country's internet capabilities, especially in remote regions that have no access to traditional internet connections.
The first and only satellite now in orbit is reportedly now ready to begin several testing procedures, which will demonstrate its high-speed internet service capabilities. The announcement was made by Ma Jie, the party secretary of the CASIC's Second Academy. The satellite was originally launched back in December of last year aboard a Long March-11 rocket from the Jiquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwestern China. The satellite successfully reached low earth orbit without much issue.
China plans to launch a total of 156 communication satellite into space as part of the Hongyun project. The country aims to bring all of the satellites into low earth orbit before 2025. The first one that was recently launched was a 247-kilogram satellite that is fully powered by its built-in solar arrays.
According to Ma, who spoke at the second session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, the satellite has already successfully achieved its first communications test with ground control. The test is meant to establish a space-based internet connection that will allow users in remote areas around China to have online access. Through the satellite, users in remote areas can finally use online services such as video calling and WeChat instant messaging.
The agency also announced that it will be conducting application demonstrations by the second half of the year, which will eventually lead to the first trial operation of the satellite. If all goes well, the agency is planning to launch four additional Hongyun satellites by the end of 2019. With five satellites in total, the agency will finally be able to perform a larger-scale trail run. The small network of satellites will reportedly be able to provide high-speed WiFi access that is several times faster than the currently available speeds in typical Chinese households.
While China fully intends to see the project through, the overall success and the frequency of launches will still be greatly dependent on market demand. Given that China is slowly becoming one of the leading countries in terms of science and technology development, demand for faster internet access is likely not going to be an issue in the coming years.
