China's private space sector launches AI-powered satellites as commercial push gathers pace

(ECNS) -- A satellite pair with onboard artificial intelligence processing capabilities were successfully launched into orbit in early August, marking the latest milestone in the country’s rapidly expanding commercial space sector.

The Eastern Star link 05/06 satellites, launched aboard a Jielong-3 carrier rocket from the Haiyang Oriental Spaceport, Shandong Province, were jointly developed by Wuhan University, Eastern Star link and Star Vision, two Chinese commercial space and satellite technology companies.

The satellites are equipped with hyperspectral AI capabilities for intelligent data processing in orbit.

Unlike traditional remote-sensing satellites, which send large amounts of imagery back to Earth for analysis, the new satellites can process data directly in space.

According to Song Bingchen, co-founder of Eastern Star link, the technology could shorten information response times from days to minutes and increase data utilization rates from less than 10% to more than 80 %.

However, deploying AI in space presents challenges, including limited power supply, heat dissipation and radiation resistance.

To overcome them, the company has been exploring the deployment of artificial intelligence systems in high Earth orbit and conducting ongoing experiments with in-orbit computing. Its AI hardware payloads have been operating in orbit for more than 2,600 days.

The development reflects the growing role of private enterprises in China’s commercial space sector.

At a private economy forum held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, on Monday, Song said the company’s goal is to “deploy artificial intelligence in space”.

He noted that Hangzhou has brought together aerospace institutions, research centers and space-related companies, creating an ecosystem for commercial space development.

The Yunqi Town area, where Eastern Star link and Star Vision are based, is now home to more than 300 aerospace information companies.

Eastern Star link’s business has expanded to more than 40 countries and regions. Song that added embracing challenges and setbacks is essential for commercial space development and technological innovation.

(By Intern Liu Shuangjing, Zhang Dongfang)