Qianfan Constellation Accelerates Deployment: Phase 1 (1,296 Satellites) by 2027, Over 10,000 by 2030
Summary: On June 11, 2026, CCTV News reported that China's Starlink-equivalent Qianfan Constellation aims to complete Phase 1 (1,296 satellites) by 2027 and reach over 10,000 satellites in orbit by 2030.
According to a CCTV News report dated June 11, 2026, China's low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite internet project, the Qianfan Constellation ("千帆星座"), is accelerating its in-orbit deployment. Phase 1 of the program targets the launch of 1,296 satellites, with completion expected by 2027. This initial phase is regarded as the foundation of the broader constellation, designed to establish preliminary global broadband communication coverage through a substantial first batch of satellites.
The report indicates that Phase 2 will add roughly 10,000 additional satellites, with the ultimate goal of completing an ultra-large constellation of more than 10,000 satellites in orbit by around 2030. This implies that, following the completion of Phase 1, China will need to maintain a high-tempo launch cadence for several consecutive years. By 2030, the Qianfan Constellation is projected to exceed approximately 11,000 satellites in total scale, positioning it to compete with other global mega-constellations such as SpaceX's Starlink.
From an industrial perspective, the Qianfan Constellation represents a key pillar of China's national satellite internet strategy. Its accelerated rollout is expected to stimulate growth across the entire domestic value chain, including satellite manufacturing, launch services, user terminals, and downstream operations. Specific details regarding launch schedules, satellite technical specifications, and commercial operating models remain pending further official confirmation.