China to build ground stations in Antarctica to support satellites
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China plans to build ground stations in Antarctica to support its network of monitoring satellites, state media reported on Thursday.
China's global network of ground stations to support the growing number of satellites and space ambition has raised fears in some countries that it could be used for spying, which China rejects.
In 2020, the Swedish state-owned space company provided ground stations that helped launch Chinese spacecraft and transmit data, refused to renew contracts with China or accept new Chinese business due to “changes in geopolitics”.
China Aerospace Science and Technology Group Co. will build stations at Zhongshan Research Base, one of China's two permanent research stations in Antarctica, after winning a $6.53 million tender, according to China Space News.
According to China Space News, this project was part of broader initiatives aimed at developing China's maritime economy and making China a maritime power. A Chinese-built ground station in Argentina's Patagonia has raised concerns over its purpose, despite China's assurances that the station's purpose is peaceful space surveillance and spacecraft flights.
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Elizabeth
Elizabeth Stone has been a reporter on the news desk since 2013. Before that she wrote about young adolescence and family dynamics for Styles and was the legal affairs correspondent for the Metro desk. Before joining The Quebec Telegram, Elizabeth Stone worked as a staff writer at the Village Voice and a freelancer for Newsday, The Wall Street Journal, GQ and Mirabella. To get in touch, contact me through my stone@qtelegram.com 1-800-268-7116