Geely Completes 64-Satellite Constellation, Boosting China’s Space Communication Ambitions
In a landmark achievement for China’s space communication sector, Geely’s satellite arm, Geespace, has successfully deployed a 64-satellite constellation. This major milestone sets the stage for expanding global Internet of Things (IoT) communications and marks a significant strategic push to challenge Western dominance in space-based connectivity.
Completing the First Phase: A Network for Global IoT Connectivity
The final batch of 11 Geely-06 satellites was launched on September 24, 2025, from the waters near Shandong Province, completing the first phase of the Geely Future Mobility Constellation (GEESATCOM) after six launches over three years. Operating at roughly 600 kilometers altitude, the constellation provides global communication coverage, excluding polar regions, with the capacity to serve 20 million users and handle up to 340 million messages daily.
This network supports real-time transmission of data packets containing text, voice, and images with what Geespace claims to be 100% satellite reliability and network availability. The successful trials conducted with China Unicom earlier this year demonstrated the constellation’s capability for two-way “vehicle-satellite-platform” connectivity, validating the use of low-orbit satellites for connected cars and emergency communications.
Expanding China’s Reach in Space Infrastructure
Geespace’s achievements are part of China’s broader strategic goal to establish space-based technological sovereignty and reduce reliance on foreign satellite services. Beyond IoT, the constellation supports various applications such as connected vehicles from Geely’s EV brands Zeekr and Galaxy, which can maintain connectivity even when terrestrial networks fail.
Industrial sectors including marine fisheries, construction machinery, logistics, and emergency response stand to benefit from this satellite network. The company has already forged partnerships with carriers in more than 20 countries and completed a notable commercial trial in Oman, achieving over 99% communication success. Collaborations extend to countries in the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America.
Looking Ahead: Aggressive Expansion Plans
With Phase One completed, Geespace has ambitious plans for the future. Phase Two aims to launch 264 satellites targeting direct-to-smartphone connectivity, while Phase Three envisions an expansive 5,676 satellites to deliver global broadband internet coverage. If realized, this network will place Geely’s constellation as a direct competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink.
China has already filed plans with international telecommunications bodies for nearly 13,000 satellites, about 1,000 more than Starlink's current authorized number. This underscores the nation’s intent to be a dominant player in the next generation of space communications infrastructure.
Conclusion
Geely’s completion of its 64-satellite constellation marks an important step in China's expanding space capabilities and ambitions. With reliable IoT connectivity now established worldwide and plans for major expansion underway, China's Geespace aims to be a game-changer in the global space communication arena, reshaping how industries and consumers connect beyond terrestrial networks.
This strategic push not only enhances China’s technological sovereignty but also heralds a new era of satellite communications competition on a global scale.