Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST)
Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST) also known as Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology, Ltd., or Shanghai Yuanxin Satellite Technology Company, Ltd, is committed to providing global users with safe, reliable and high-speed internet connection, high-precision real-time navigation information, quasi-real-time remote sensing, as well as comprehensive business services. The company is a key player in the Shanghai government’s “G60” satellite constellation project, which aims to deploy numerous satellites as part of the city’s strategic plan.
SSST is a Chinese state-owned company designed to invest in satellite telecommunication businesses in China and abroad. The company previously invest in KLEO, a German and Lichtenstein based company that develops Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems and plans to deploy 15,000 satellites by 2030. The project behind the Constellation, also known as Qianfan or Thousand Sails as well as referred to the G60 Starlink Constellation, was set up in 2023 as part of plans to establish a Chinese-based global low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite Internet network competitor to SpaceX’ Starlink network.
In August 2024 SSST launched 18 satellites in August and a second batch of 18 satellites in October. The satellites are being launched by launched operator CGWIC, part of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), using the Long March 6A rocket. SSST launched 72 satellites in 2024 and 648 satellites by the end of 2025, which are part of a first constellation of 1,296 satellites. Future launches are expected to carry from 36 to 54 satellites.
Key Milestones
Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology was founded in March 2018 by Shanghai Alliance Investment Ltd. and is committed to becoming an international and commercial satellite industry group and satellite communication service operator.
On February 1st, 2024, the company raised 6.7 billion yuan (933 million USD) for the construction of the Qianfan or Thousand Sails low-orbit satellite constellation. The series A capital raise was led by a fund set up by the National Manufacturing Transformation and Upgrading Fund (NMTUFT). Other investors included Shanghai Alliance Investment, a venture capital arm of the Shanghai Municipal Government, CASSTAR, a venture investment and incubator firm ultimately under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Guosheng Capital, Hengxu Capital and CAS Capital, also under CAS.
On August 6th, 2024, SSST launched its first set of eighteen flat panel satellites associated with the project using CGWIC’s Long March 6A launch vehicle. The rocket launched from the Taiyuan Launch Complex located in the north of Shanxi Province and brought the satellites into a polar orbit. The launch was China’s 35th orbital launch in 2024.
On October 15th, 2024, the company launched the second batch of eighteen Qianfan satellites into orbit, using a Long March 6A rocket launcher, operated by CGWIC from China.
On December 5th, 2024, a third group of eighteen Qianfan satellites was launched into a polar orbit by a CGWIC Long March 6A rocket.
On January 23rd, 2025, another eighteen Qianfan Jigui satellites were launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center using a Long March 6A rocket. The launch was originally planned for December 2024 but was rescheduled due to major propulsion problems with the rocket. With this delayed launch, the constellation now included 72 satellites in orbit.
| Satellite | Mission | Launch Date | Launcher | Launch Operator |
| Qianfan 1 – 18 | Aug 6th, 2024 | Long March 6A | CGWIC China | |
| Qianfan 19 – 36 | Oct 15th, 2024 | Long March 6A | CGWIC China | |
| Qianfan 37 – 54 | Dec 5th, 2024 | Long March 6A | CGWIC China | |
| Qianfan 55 – 72 | Jan 23rd, 2025 | Long March 6A | CGWIC China |
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Resources
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