China plans for 72 IoT satellites
July 9, 2019
By Chris Forrester
Chinese research institute, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has confirmed it is planning an overall constellation of 72 ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) satellites over the next 3 years.
Chinese private satellite operator Commsat, funded by the Xi’an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics, is already active in the project. Eight communications satellites as part of the programme wee launched and tested last year.
Reports say that Commsat will start services next year with the launch of another 4 satellites as part of the overall plan to place 72 craft into Low Earth Orbit by 2022.
The intention is to provide services for different IoT tasks including vehicle and maritime monitoring, emergency services, wildlife protection and logistics.