The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has revealed new plans to build a space traffic system. It aims to manage satellite movements through this system. The move comes following concerns about overcrowding in orbital pathways.

Low Earth orbit is getting increasingly crowded as thousands of satellites already orbit the Earth. Officials have warned that chaos will increase without regulations. China is stepping in with a new plan.

The CNSA has revealed a traffic management plan for satellites. It plans to coordinate satellite movement and operations in orbit. Projections suggest nearly 100,000 satellites could launch soon. Without proper regulation, space could turn into a junkyard.

The proposed system aims to streamline satellite placement and operations. Officials have stressed the need for sustainable satellite deployment. They have warned that overlapping satellite operations could restrict industry growth, according to the South China Morning Post.

The Chinese government has announced support for private satellite companies. Several firms are developing mega-constellation projects. According to official data, China has 58 satellite plants across the country, some are operational, and others are under construction. By 2025, China could manufacture 5,000 satellites annually.

One of the largest initiatives is Spacecom’s G60 Starlink project, which plans to deploy about 15,000 satellites. By the end of the year, it aims to have 648 in orbit.

China Satellite Network is building the Guowang project, which will consist of 12,992 satellites.

LandSpace, another private firm, is behind the Honghu-3 project, which plans to deploy 10,000 satellites.

China is also planning to expand its satellite presence beyond Earth orbit. A proposal from 2023 outlined a communications network between the Earth and the Moon. The system would enable live communication between users around the world. It could support voice, photo, and video sharing among up to 20 people in the Space.

CNSA has launched the Commercial Space Innovation Alliance to address challenges in resource management, safety standardisation, and coordination. The alliance will connect private companies with state-backed research institutions. It will help firms expedite satellite placement and improve space communication systems. It also aims to enhance safety and expand international cooperation.

An important focus will be on preventing satellite collisions. Officials say this will require coordination on joint operations and shared data, which can reduce risks and that international collaboration should not introduce new orbital threats.

The alliance will give private firms access to national testing facilities. Previously, only government programs could use these centres. Now, commercial companies will be able to conduct tests and trials.

CNSA will establish “sandbox” zones to test high-risk space operations. National teams will lead these programs with participation from private firms. They will swiftly convert the results of these tests into commercial applications.

Officials believe this strategy will spur innovation. They expect it to support faster industry growth. They say improved access will help private firms experiment more freely and allow China to maintain a competitive edge in the global space race.