China Launches First Satellites for Orbital Supercomputer Network

China has successfully launched the first 12 satellites of a planned 2,800-strong orbital supercomputer satellite network, reports Space News. These satellites, developed by ADA Space in collaboration with Zhijiang Laboratory and Neijang High-Tech Zone, are designed to process data autonomously, eliminating the need for terrestrial stations to handle data processing, as reported by ADA Space’s announcement (machine-translated).

Overview of the Star Compute Program

The satellites are part of ADA Space’s ambitious “Star Compute” program, which features the initial deployment of what the company refers to as the “Three-Body Computing Constellation.” Each of the 12 satellites is equipped with an onboard AI model comprising 8 billion parameters and is capable of performing 744 tera operations per second (TOPS). Collectively, these satellites can achieve a processing capacity of 5 peta operations per second (POPS). This performance significantly surpasses that of existing systems, such as the 40 TOPS required for Microsoft Copilot PCs. The ultimate objective is to establish a network of thousands of satellites capable of reaching 1,000 POPs, as stated by according to the Chinese government.

Advanced Communication and Data Capabilities

The satellites utilize laser communication technology to connect with each other at speeds of up to 100 Gbps, sharing a total of 30 terabytes of storage among the group. According to Space News, the 12 satellites launched last week are equipped with scientific payloads, including an X-ray polarization detector designed to capture transient cosmic events such as gamma-ray bursts. Additionally, these satellites possess the capability to generate 3D digital twin data, which can be applied in various fields including emergency response, gaming, and tourism, as highlighted in ADA Space’s announcement.

Advantages of Space-Based Supercomputing

The advantages of deploying a space-based supercomputer extend beyond merely improving communication efficiency. Traditional satellite transmissions are often slow, with reports indicating that “less than 10 percent” of satellite data successfully reaches Earth due to limitations such as bandwidth constraints and the availability of ground stations. Jonathan McDowell, a space historian and astronomer at Harvard University, emphasized the potential benefits of orbital data centers, stating that they can harness solar power and dissipate heat into space, thereby reducing energy consumption and minimizing carbon footprints. He noted that similar initiatives could be pursued by both the United States and Europe in the future, as reported by SCMP.

Future Implications

The launch of these satellites marks a significant step forward in the realm of space-based computing and data processing. As the network expands, it is expected to enhance various applications, from scientific research to commercial ventures. The ability to process data in orbit could lead to faster decision-making and improved outcomes in critical areas such as disaster management and environmental monitoring.

In conclusion, the successful deployment of the first 12 satellites in this ambitious project underscores China’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in space technology and artificial intelligence. As the project progresses, it will be closely watched by global observers, particularly in light of its potential to reshape how data is processed and utilized in the future.