China just launched 35 more satellites for its Qianfan low-Earth orbit internet constellation, bringing the total number in orbit to 238.
The latest 20 satellites were designed to be stacked together like books on a shelf. It's the same concept Starlink uses to pack more satellites into every launch.
Why does that matter?
Because every rocket launch is expensive. The more satellites you can fit into one mission, the faster and cheaper you can build an entire constellation. And once China's reusable rockets enter service, that process could be even faster.
Besides, the company that developed the satellite successfully tested a direct-to-cell satellite, allowing an ordinary smartphone to connect to a satellite without additional hardware.
For people working offshore, deep in the mountains or deserts, or during emergencies when ground networks go down, it could mean staying connected almost anywhere.
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