The European Union announced $10.5 billion for its Iris2 satellite program, while China launched its first GuoWang satellites on December 16, aiming to rival SpaceX's dominance in satellite internet.

 

 

The European Union announced $10.5 billion for its Iris2 satellite program, while China launched its first GuoWang satellites on December 16, aiming to rival SpaceX's dominance in satellite internet.

 

SpaceX operates nearly 7,000 Starlink satellites, with plans for 42,000 more. China’s goal is a 38,000-satellite constellation, while the EU’s Iris2 program will deploy around 300 satellites with advanced technology for broader coverage.

 

Despite their ambitions, the EU and China face challenges catching up, as Europe relies on limited launch options, often turning to SpaceX for key missions.