China Launches First 12 Satellites of World’s Largest Space-Based AI Supercomputer Constellation
China has successfully launched the initial 12 satellites in a groundbreaking project aimed at creating an orbital AI supercomputer constellation with a planned total of 2,800 satellites. This mission, led by ADA Space in partnership with Zhijiang Laboratory and Neijang High-Tech Zone, represents the world’s first space-based artificial intelligence supercomputing network.
Autonomous AI Processing in Orbit
Unlike conventional satellites that send raw data to Earth for analysis, these satellites process data independently onboard. Each satellite is equipped with an advanced AI model featuring eight billion parameters and delivers 744 tera operations per second (TOPS). Collectively, the first 12 satellites offer a combined computing power of five peta operations per second (POPS).
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China’s ultimate objective is to expand this constellation to reach a massive 1,000 POPS by deploying approximately 2,800 satellites, transforming how space-based data is processed and utilized.
High-Speed Laser Communication Links
The satellites interconnect using laser links capable of ultra-high transfer rates up to 100 Gbps. Together, they share 30 terabytes of distributed onboard storage, enabling a cooperative, low-latency computing network in orbit with minimal reliance on ground infrastructure.
Advanced Scientific Capabilities
Equipped with various scientific instruments, the constellation includes an X-ray polarization detector designed to study cosmic phenomena like gamma-ray bursts. It can also generate 3D digital twin data, opening doors for innovative applications such as disaster monitoring, urban planning, virtual tourism, and interactive media.
Solving the Data Bottleneck Challenge
According to the South China Morning Post, traditional satellites only transmit less than 10% of their collected data back to Earth due to bandwidth and ground station constraints. Onboard AI processing allows these satellites to analyze data in real-time, significantly reducing the amount of data that needs to be sent down and speeding up responses for critical applications.
Environmental and Strategic Benefits
Harvard astronomer Jonathan McDowell highlights the practical and environmental advantages of orbital data centers. Powered by solar energy and naturally cooled in the vacuum of space, these satellite supercomputers have a smaller environmental footprint compared to traditional ground-based data centers. McDowell also noted that the US and Europe may soon develop similar space-based AI systems to compete with China’s rapidly advancing technology.
