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| China’s Long March rocket launches communication satellite from Wenchang Space Launch Site on May 20, 2025. (Image credit: VCG via Getty Images) |
China Launches AI Supercomputer Constellation in Space: A New Era in Orbital Computing Begins
China has taken a massive leap forward in space-based artificial intelligence (AI) by launching the first cluster of satellites in what is planned to become the world’s first AI supercomputer constellation in orbit. This historic launch, conducted on May 14, 2025, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, is part of an ambitious initiative called the Three-Body Computing Constellation, spearheaded by ADA Space and Zhejiang Lab.
What Is the Three-Body Computing Constellation?
Named after the famed "three-body problem" in physics—and inspired by the sci-fi trilogy by Liu Cixin—this futuristic constellation aims to reduce reliance on Earth-based data centers by enabling real-time edge computing in space. The full network will eventually comprise 2,800 satellites, with the initial 12 now in low-Earth orbit.
These satellites aren't just ordinary instruments. Each one is equipped with an 8 billion-parameter AI model capable of processing 744 tera operations per second (TOPS). When linked together, their combined power surges to 5 peta operations per second, while the entire future network aims to reach an astonishing 1,000 petaFLOPS—that’s 1 quintillion operations per second.
Why Put Supercomputers in Space?
Processing data in orbit has significant advantages:
- Bandwidth Efficiency: Satellites traditionally collect raw data and transmit it back to Earth, which is limited by bandwidth and time windows. Space-based processing allows for real-time analysis, dramatically reducing delays and data loss.
- Natural Cooling: The vacuum of space offers a zero-energy cooling system, making it ideal for power-hungry AI workloads.
- Sustainability: Satellites are powered by solar panels, and heat is radiated into space, reducing carbon footprints compared to traditional ground-based data centers.
Key Features of China's AI Satellites
- Laser Inter-Satellite Communication: Enables high-speed data transfer between satellites in the constellation.
- X-ray Polarization Detector: Allows cosmic studies of phenomena like gamma-ray bursts.
- International Cooperation Potential: Wang Jian of Zhejiang Lab stated that the project is open to collaboration with global organizations.
“Space has, again, become the frontier for us to think about what we can do in the next 10, 20 or 50 years.”— Wang Jian, Director, Zhejiang Lab
How It Compares Globally
While the U.S. and Europe have experimented with small-scale space computing systems, China’s AI constellation marks the first operable large-scale deployment. Interestingly, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt is exploring similar ideas, proposing space-based data centers to address the growing energy demands of AI. According to his estimate, global data centers may require an additional 96 gigawatts of power by 2030.
The Bigger Picture: AI and Space Are Converging
This AI constellation is part of a broader trend where space technology, AI, and sustainability intersect. China’s parallel plans to build solar power arrays in orbit and reusable rockets show a comprehensive strategy to dominate next-gen space infrastructure.
With these developments, space is no longer just a realm for exploration—it’s becoming a computational frontier.
What do you think about space-based AI computing? Could this reshape global tech and data strategies? Let us know in the comments below!
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