Placing computing power and artificial intelligence (AI) into space enables satellites to perform real-time processing of Earth observation data while in orbit and supports scientists in their quest to uncover more of the unknown.

On May 14 at 12:12 p.m., China successfully launched the 12 satellites of the space computing constellation "021" mission from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center using the Long March-2D carrier rocket. These satellites were developed by Chengdu ADA Space Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as ADA Space) and have entered their predetermined orbits, marking the successful launch of the global-first space computing constellation.

Code 021

Achieving "Zero to One" Breakthrough in Global Space Computing Constellations

Two notable highlights of this launch mission capture attention—the mission's codename, "021", being one of them.

A person in charge of the ADA Space noted that "021" symbolizes the transition "from zero to one", marking a pivotal breakthrough in the realm of global space computing constellations.

As reported, the centerpiece of this launch is a constellation consisting of 12 computing satellites in a single orbit, developed by ADA Space with investment from various entities. This constellation includes the following satellites: Neijiang (Xingshidai-27), Neijiang High-Tech (Xingshidai-28), Taizhou (Xingshidai-29), Haikou (Xingshidai-30), Ma'anshan Zhisuan-1 (Xingshidai-31), Chongzhou (Xingshidai-32), Tiantie Science &Technology (Xingshidai-33), BAYC #7573 (Xingshidai-34), Yu Kong Zhe (Xingshidai-35), "Grand Zero Bay" Star (Xingshidai-36), ZJ-1 (Xingshidai-37), and ZJ-2 (Xingshidai-38).

Once the 12 satellites are successfully placed into their designated orbit, they will carry out on-orbit verification and application of space computing fundamental functions such as establishing chains, networking, and forming cloud computing systems. This will be achieved through high-speed inter-satellite laser communication, stable constellation networking, and distributed computing resource scheduling.

Another significant highlight of this mission is the "first launch". The world's first space computing constellation not only marks the inaugural deployment of ADA Space's "Star Computing" plan but also serves as the first constellation launched for the Zhejiang Laboratory's "Three-Body Computing Constellation". These two major initiatives aim to address the computing power challenges arising from the rapid growth in the number of satellites in orbit.

Currently, mega-constellation networking has become a global trend in the aerospace industry. However, under traditional models, data must be transmitted back to Earth for processing, which encounters issues such as bandwidth limitations and inefficiency.

"This mission is designed to shift from the conventional 'earth-based computing for space data' to 'space-based computing for space data' in specific scenarios, in order to meet the growing demand for real-time space computing and support China's ambition to lead the global effort in establishing a space computing infrastructure." A person in charge of the ADA Space stated that, in simple terms, it is about deploying computing power in space.

According to Wang Jian, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Director of Zhejiang Lab, the space computing constellation can elevate the computing power of individual satellites from teraflops to petaflops and enable interconnectivity between them. "This transformation holds far-reaching significance for the air and space industry," he emphasized.

"Add-ons" Stacking

Developing the World's Leading On-Orbit Computing Power

In the vast expanse of space, how can we enhance the computing power of satellites? The key lies in the capability of the decision-making and operational system onboard.

In the mission, this capability is materialized as the "add-ons" carried by the satellites.

From an overall picture, the 12 computing satellites utilize ADA Space's self-developed intelligent connected satellite platform. They are not only equipped with the company's self-developed AI payloads but also host Zhejiang Lab's space computing hardware and software, such as the onboard intelligent computer, as well as its space foundation models. This setup achieves "computing power in space, on-orbit networking, and models in space". Each satellite is equipped with an onboard intelligent computing system and an inter-satellite communication system, endowing them with capabilities for space computing and space interconnectivity.

In addition to computing and interconnectivity capabilities, the satellites are also equipped with Earth observation remote sensing payloads. By leveraging their onboard computing capabilities, they will achieve real-time and on-orbit data processing, exploring and validating the concept of "space-based computing for space data".

"Specifically, we aim to enhance data processing efficiency by effectively reducing data transmission costs and time delays." The person in charge of the ADA Space further noted that this advancement can provide satellite-based 3D digital twins data and application services for emergency safety, low-altitude economy, embodied AI, games and cultural tourism, and more.

"As satellite Earth observation resolutions improve, the volume of data generated continues to increase. Transferring all this data to the ground for processing is not only a challenge due to the large data volumes but also impacts the timely application of the data." Wang Jianyu, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and President of Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, UCAS, stated that using space computing to process data with AI technology in orbit before transmitting it to the ground will significantly boost industrial development.

The "Star Computing" plan's Group 02 constellation has entered the design and development phase. The ADA Space's satellite team is intensifying its efforts to develop satellite models with even greater computing power.