China outlines mega constellations in ITU satellite filings

China has submitted plans for more than 200,000 satellites to the International Telecommunication Union, underscoring a drive to secure orbital positions and radio spectrum as global competition for low Earth orbit intensifies. The applications on the ITU website cover more than a dozen planned satellite constellations, with individual networks ranging from a few dozen spacecraft to systems approaching 100,000 satellites.

The largest proposed systems, designated CTC-1 and CTC-2, each list 96,714 satellites and were filed by the Institute of Radio Spectrum Utilization and Technological Innovation, a recently formed research and development organization focused on advancing and commercializing radio spectrum technologies. That institute alone accounts for over 95 percent of all satellites included in the Chinese filings, highlighting its central role in the new orbital plans.

Additional filings come from a mix of state-backed and commercial actors, including China Satellite Network Group and Shanghai Yuanxin Satellite Technology. Telecom operators China Mobile and China Telecom have also lodged satellite network plans, alongside private space companies such as GalaxySpace, Guodian Gaoke Space Technology and Spacety, signaling broad participation across the country's communications and space sectors.

Ding Botao, deputy director of information research at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, said the large number of planned satellites reflects China's readiness to undertake extensive, coordinated deployment in low Earth orbit. "The move signals China's resolve and capability to carry out large-scale, systematic deployment in low-Earth orbit," Ding said.

An expert from China's national radio regulation center said filing network information with the ITU is the initial step required worldwide before operators can deploy satellite systems. Because access to satellite frequencies and orbital resources must be coordinated internationally, procedures usually begin two to seven years ahead of launches to ensure compatibility and reduce interference risks.

The expert added that China has consistently observed ITU radio regulations in its satellite planning and operations. The path from international filing to launch and then to service rollout is typically lengthy, and the eventual size of constellations and their technical parameters can be adjusted and optimized as projects evolve.

According to the expert, the scale and diversity of the latest filings do not mean every satellite listed will necessarily reach orbit, but they provide regulatory room for future growth and refinement. As multiple countries submit proposals for constellations numbering more than 100,000 satellites, securing spectrum and orbital rights early has become a strategic priority in the emerging era of dense low Earth orbit networks.