China has launched the first group of satellites for a new space-based artificial intelligence supercomputing network. The launch took place on May 14 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This marks the beginning of a large-scale project led by Chinese tech firm ADA Space and Zhejiang Lab.
The plan is to build a constellation of 2,800 satellites. These satellites will work together as a powerful AI computer in orbit. The network is called the Three-Body Computing Constellation. It is designed to process large amounts of data directly in space.
This space-based approach will reduce the need to send data back to Earth for analysis. That is important because current satellite systems often face delays and data loss due to limited transmission windows and bandwidth issues. By processing data in orbit, this new system can work faster and more efficiently.
Each satellite launched in this mission carries a powerful AI model with 8 billion parameters. On its own, each satellite can perform up to 744 trillion operations per second. When they work together, the combined speed can reach up to five peta operations per second. This is far more than current AI devices on Earth, such as new laptops that process around 40 trillion operations per second.
The network also uses edge computing. That means the satellites will handle raw data directly, reducing the need to send large files to Earth. This method saves time and cuts down energy use. The satellites are powered by solar panels and cooled by the natural cold of space. This helps reduce their carbon footprint.
One of the satellites in this group includes a special sensor to detect X-ray signals from space. This allows scientists to study events like gamma-ray bursts and other cosmic activities.
The project is named after the three-body problem, a complex math challenge related to predicting the motion of three objects in space. It also shares its name with a famous Chinese science fiction book series. This series was recently adapted into a show by a major streaming platform.
The full constellation is expected to grow over the next few years. Once all satellites are in place, the network will become one of the largest and most powerful computing systems in orbit. It is expected to help with climate research, scientific studies, and other high-tech uses.
China is not the only country exploring space-based computing. In the United States, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has shown interest in the idea. He recently invested in a launch company to explore building data centers in orbit. During a hearing in April, Schmidt pointed out that AI will require a huge amount of power in the coming years. He said that global data centers might need an extra 29 gigawatts of power by 2027 and up to 67 more gigawatts by 2030. To give context, one gigawatt can power hundreds of thousands of homes.
Putting data centers in space could help solve this growing power problem. Since solar energy is more direct in space and cooling is easier, these space systems could reduce the strain on Earth’s resources.
China has already made progress in other areas of space exploration. It has grown vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes on its Tiangong space station. It also plans to launch reusable rockets in the near future. In addition, China has signed an agreement with Russia to build a power station on the Moon.
The new AI constellation is the latest example of China’s effort to lead in both space and technology. Experts say it could also support international cooperation. The project may allow global researchers to access and use its computing power in the future.
As AI continues to grow, the need for new solutions becomes urgent. Space-based computing offers a new way to meet that need. It reduces data delays, cuts energy use, and opens new doors for science and technology.
