China’s SpaceSail takes on Starlink in Latin America

This deal is part of Brazil’s strategy to diversify satellite service providers amid tensions with Starlink, reflecting China’s growing ambitions in the global satellite sector.

SpaceSail, Brazil, China, Starlink, Satellites, Elon Musk

China‘s low Earth orbit satellite firm, SpaceSail, has signed an agreement with Brazilian state telecom Telebras to provide satellite broadband services. The deal was announced during President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Brazil, following the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.

SpaceSail’s entry into Brazil marks its first international venture, challenging Elon Musk’s Starlink, which has over 6,000 satellites globally and serves various sectors in Brazil. The Thousand Sails Constellation will power SpaceSail’s services, offering connectivity in remote areas.

Brazil’s government aims to diversify satellite service providers amid recent tensions involving Starlink and Musk’s social media platform X. China’s growing satellite presence includes 1,059 satellites, with plans for massive constellations to rival Starlink’s dominance.