China is building its own LEO satellites in an effort to stifle Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
LEO is short for low-Earth orbit. This type of satellite operates at a “very low” altitude from the ground. Aiming to provide high speed internet services in remote locations.
With the U.S. tightening rules for semiconductor exports to China, Chinese leader Xi Jinping is calling to develop Beijing’s own self-reliant technology.
Chinese state-owned spacecraft maker CASIC will launch its first LEO satellite in September.
Beijing sees Starlink as a U.S. military tool for surveillance as the satellites carry devices which monitor the space environment.