China launches 12 AI-powered satellites to create the world’s first space-based supercomputer network, revolutionizing data processing and energy efficiency in orbit.
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| With its AI-powered 'Star Computing' satellites, China leads a transformative leap in orbital data processing, surpassing Earth-based computing limitations. Image: CH |
Beijing, China – May 20, 2025:
China has initiated the construction of the world’s first space-based supercomputer network, launching 12 artificial intelligence-powered satellites into orbit last week. The breakthrough marks a pivotal advancement in space technology, as the country looks to decentralize data processing and eliminate reliance on terrestrial infrastructure.
The launch, conducted by the state-owned China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), deployed the first satellites of its ambitious "Star Computing" program aboard a Long March 2D rocket. Each satellite is equipped with onboard processing capabilities reaching up to 744 trillion operations per second, and supports data transfer rates of up to 100 gigabits per second.
These satellites feature a cutting-edge AI model with 8 billion parameters, enabling the direct processing of massive volumes of raw satellite data in orbit. This approach significantly reduces latency and overcomes the traditional bottlenecks associated with relaying data to Earth for processing.
“The Long March 2D carrier rocket successfully sent the space computing satellite constellation into the predetermined orbit. The launch mission was a complete success,” CASC confirmed in an official statement. “The space computing satellite constellation is the first of the 'Star Computing' program.”
Dubbed the "Three-Body Computing Constellation," the orbital network is envisioned to surpass even the most advanced Earth-based supercomputers. By eliminating the need for expansive cooling systems and reducing energy consumption, the project offers a sustainable and scalable model for future computing demands.
Currently, less than 10% of satellite data is ever transmitted back to Earth, often with considerable delays. China's new initiative directly addresses this inefficiency, transforming satellites into intelligent, autonomous data processing hubs in space.
The project also aligns with broader concerns around data center energy consumption. The International Energy Agency warns that global data centers could consume over 1,000 terawatt-hours of electricity annually by 2026—equivalent to Japan’s total power usage. Space-based processing offers a novel, energy-efficient solution.
This development follows China's recent plans for the "Three Gorges Dam of Space," a proposal to place a kilometer-wide solar array in geostationary orbit to collect continuous solar energy—another sign of Beijing’s aggressive push to lead in space infrastructure and clean energy innovation.
With the 'Star Computing' constellation now operational, China is not only pioneering new frontiers in orbital AI and supercomputing, but also setting a precedent for the future of global data management and aerospace engineering.