Introduction to the Mission and its Significance
China has launched a Long March-2D rocket, sending 12 satellites into orbit as the first batch of the “Three-Body Computing Constellation,” the core for a space supercomputer powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Background and Context
As global data centers consume increasing amounts of electricity, with estimates suggesting over 1,000 terawatt-hours annually by 2026—equivalent to Japan’s total electricity consumption—the limitations of terrestrial data processing become apparent. Traditional methods involve satellites collecting data in space, then transmitting it to Earth for processing. This method is constrained by the availability and bandwidth of ground stations, resulting in less than 10% of collected data typically reaching Earth with significant delays.
High-Speed Data Processing in Space
According to Guangming Daily, each of the 12 satellites can process up to 744 quadrillion operations per second. Connected via high-speed laser links with data transfer rates of up to 100 gigabits per second, the initial network offers a combined computational power of 5 petaoperations per second (POPS) and 30 terabytes of onboard storage.
Key Players and Their Roles
Zhejiang Lab, a government-backed research institute in Zhejiang province, led the development of onboard AI computers and space models driving the constellation’s computational capabilities.
Guoxing Aerospace, a Chengdu-based developer of AI satellites, was responsible for developing the intelligent satellite platforms and overseeing the assembly of the satellites.
HiStarlink, a laser communications startup, developed the high-speed optical terminals enabling data transfer between satellites in the network.
Impact and Future Prospects
This mission marks a significant milestone in China’s space computing capabilities, aiming to build a network of thousands of satellites with a total computational power of 1,000 petaoperations per second (POPS). The constellation will enable real-time data processing in orbit, accelerating AI development in space.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the mission about? China launched a Long March-2D rocket carrying 12 satellites as the first batch of the “Three-Body Computing Constellation,” aiming to build a space supercomputer powered by AI.
- Who led the mission? The Laboratorio de Zhejiang, a government-backed research institute in Zhejiang province, led the development of onboard AI computers and space models driving the constellation’s computational capabilities.
- What are the benefits of this mission? The mission enables real-time data processing in orbit, accelerating AI development in space and addressing the limitations of terrestrial data processing.
- What companies were involved? Guoxing Aerospace developed the intelligent satellite platforms, while HiStarlink created high-speed optical terminals for data transfer between satellites.
