Geespace Satellite IoT Approval Opens Two-Year Commercial Trial in China

Geespace Receives Approval For Satellite IoT Commercial Trial

Geespace satellite IoT approval marks a significant development in China's commercial aerospace sector, allowing the commercial aerospace arm of Geely Holding Group to conduct satellite Internet of Things services on a commercial trial basis for two years. China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced the approval in a notice published on its website on Thursday. Geespace has become the second private company to receive this type of approval, following Beijing Guodian Gaoke Technology. The decision brings satellite IoT operations by private satellite operators into China's national telecommunications regulatory trial framework, expanding the role of private companies beyond satellite launches and constellation deployment.

GeeSAT 1 To Support Wide-Coverage IoT Services

During the two-year trial, Geespace will operate satellite IoT services using the Geely Future Mobility Constellation Phase 1, known as GeeSAT 1. According to the MIIT statement, the system is designed to provide wide-coverage, low-power and highly reliable connectivity for applications including intelligent transportation, marine fisheries, energy and water resources. Satellite IoT is intended primarily for low-data-rate communications, allowing devices and sensors to transmit location information and small quantities of collected data. Unlike conventional satellite broadband, the system does not provide normal internet access, with its main value coming from connectivity in locations where terrestrial networks are unavailable.

Private Satellite Operators Gain Greater Regulatory Access

The approval represents a further opening of China's satellite communications sector to private companies. Previously, private-sector participation was concentrated largely on satellite launches and constellation construction, whereas the new regulatory framework allows approved operators to participate in satellite IoT service trials. The MIIT said satellite IoT would serve as an important complement to China's broadband satellite internet services. The development could therefore create additional opportunities for commercial aerospace companies to test service models, establish applications and build operational experience under China's national telecommunications regulatory framework.

GeeSAT Constellation Reaches 64 Satellites

GeeSAT is independently designed, developed, built and operated by Geespace. The first phase of the constellation calls for 72 satellites, including eight backup satellites. Following the launch of 12 satellites for the constellation's sixth orbital plane on a single rocket in September 2025, the number of satellites in orbit reached 64, completing the deployment of the first phase. The satellites operate in low Earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 600 kilometers. This orbital configuration enables real-time communications coverage across the Earth's surface, with the exception of the North and South Poles.

Network Capacity Supports Global Connectivity

Geespace said the satellite system can process approximately 340 million communication requests per day and support access for up to 20 million users worldwide. These capabilities are intended to support applications where small amounts of data must be transmitted reliably across geographically dispersed locations. The architecture is particularly relevant to connected assets operating outside conventional cellular coverage, including vehicles, maritime equipment and remote infrastructure. Geely Holding said Geespace will continue conducting IoT NTN technology trials while advancing the development and commercialization of 6G satellite communication technologies.

Satellite Connectivity Expands Across Vehicles And Mobility

Geespace has already moved satellite communication technology into mass-produced vehicles, with more than 20,000 satellite communication terminals delivered. Models equipped with the technology include the Geely Galaxy Starshine 8, Geely Galaxy E8, Lynk & Co 900, Zeekr 001 FR and Zeekr 009 Grand. The integration demonstrates how satellite connectivity can extend vehicle communications beyond conventional terrestrial networks. In addition, Geely Holding's ride-hailing unit Cao Cao Mobility plans to explore GeeSAT connectivity for its robotaxi fleet, where satellite links could help maintain communication with control centers for remote monitoring, dispatching and emergency intervention.

Maritime Applications And International Expansion

Commercial deployment of Geespace's satellite equipment has already begun in maritime applications. The company's low-Earth-orbit satellite equipment is being used on maritime law-enforcement vessels in Zhejiang province, while Taizhou is installing the equipment on an initial group of 60 fishing vessels. These deployments demonstrate the potential value of satellite IoT for vessels operating beyond reliable terrestrial network coverage. Overseas, Geespace has established partnerships with telecommunications operators in more than 20 countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America. The company has also secured orders in the Middle East and South America, extending its commercial activity beyond China.

Pakistan Cooperation Adds International Reach

In January, Geespace signed a cooperation agreement with Pakistan's state-owned satellite communications operator Paksat International (Pvt) Limited. The agreement adds to Geespace's international partnership network as the company works to expand satellite IoT applications across overseas markets. Its international strategy complements domestic deployment in transportation and maritime sectors, while partnerships with telecommunications operators can provide additional channels for commercialization. The expansion also supports Geespace's broader objective of developing satellite-based IoT NTN capabilities and advancing commercial applications associated with next-generation satellite communication technologies.

Satellite IoT Supports Commercial Aerospace Development

The MIIT approval provides Geespace with a regulated two-year period to conduct commercial satellite IoT trials while China's private aerospace sector continues moving toward broader service commercialization. The trial combines an established low-Earth-orbit constellation with applications spanning transportation, maritime operations, energy, water resources and connected mobility. Geespace's existing vehicle deployments, maritime projects and overseas partnerships provide an operational foundation for further development. The company is also expected to continue testing IoT NTN technologies and pursuing 6G satellite communication development, reinforcing the role of satellite networks as a complementary connectivity layer alongside terrestrial and broadband satellite systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What approval has Geespace received from China's MIIT?
Geespace has received approval from China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to conduct commercial trials of satellite Internet of Things services for two years. The approval places private satellite IoT operations within China's national telecommunications regulatory trial framework and allows Geespace to operate services using its GeeSAT 1 constellation. The trial will focus on low-power, wide-coverage connectivity for applications including intelligent transportation, marine fisheries, energy and water resources, while supporting the company's broader development of IoT NTN and satellite communication technologies.

How many satellites are currently in the GeeSAT constellation?
GeeSAT's first constellation phase calls for 72 satellites, including eight backup satellites. After 12 satellites were launched for the sixth orbital plane in September 2025, the number of satellites in orbit reached 64, completing the deployment required for the first phase. The satellites operate in low Earth orbit at an altitude of approximately 600 kilometers. Geespace says the system can process around 340 million communication requests per day and support access for up to 20 million users worldwide, providing connectivity beyond the reach of conventional terrestrial networks.

Which vehicles use Geespace satellite communication technology?
Geespace has delivered more than 20,000 mass-produced satellite communication terminals for vehicles. Models identified as equipped with the technology include the Geely Galaxy Starshine 8, Geely Galaxy E8, Lynk & Co 900, Zeekr 001 FR and Zeekr 009 Grand. The technology extends vehicle connectivity beyond conventional terrestrial networks and can support communication in areas where cellular coverage is limited or unavailable. Geely Holding's ride-hailing unit Cao Cao Mobility is also exploring GeeSAT connectivity for robotaxi operations, including remote monitoring, dispatching and emergency intervention.