China Launches First Phase of Orbital AI Supercomputer with 12 Satellites

Beijing – In a bold leap toward the future of space-based computing, China has officially launched the first phase of its ambitious “Star Compute” project — an orbital AI supercomputer network. Developed by ADA Space in partnership with Zhijiang Laboratory and the Neijang High-Tech Zone, the initiative sent 12 cutting-edge satellites into orbit last week as part of a planned 2,800-satellite constellation.

Dubbed the “Three-Body Computing Constellation,” the program integrates artificial intelligence with space infrastructure at an unprecedented scale. Each satellite is equipped with an AI model containing 8 billion parameters and onboard computing power of 744 tera operations per second (TOPS). Together, the first 12 satellites already deliver a combined 5 peta operations per second (POPS), surpassing the performance of many terrestrial AI systems.

Unlike conventional satellites that transmit raw data back to Earth, these AI-powered satellites analyze data in real time while still in orbit. This drastically reduces latency, dependence on ground stations, and bandwidth bottlenecks, addressing a major limitation in traditional satellite systems where less than 10% of collected data reaches the ground.

The satellites are interconnected via high-speed laser communication links transmitting at up to 100 Gbps and share 30 terabytes of onboard storage. In addition to AI processing, they are equipped with scientific tools such as X-ray polarization detectors for studying transient cosmic events like gamma-ray bursts.

Another groundbreaking feature is the ability to generate 3D digital twin data, enabling applications in disaster response, virtual tourism, smart city planning, and advanced simulation in gaming.

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According to the South China Morning Post, this initiative is part of China’s broader push to lead globally in both artificial intelligence and space technology. Harvard astronomer and space historian Jonathan McDowell noted the potential environmental benefits, citing the use of solar power and space-based heat dissipation as ways to reduce energy demands and carbon emissions.

With a goal of reaching 1,000 POPS once all 2,800 satellites are operational, the project could redefine how countries collect, process, and respond to space-based intelligence in real time. The “Three-Body” name, inspired by Liu Cixin’s acclaimed science fiction trilogy, reflects China’s ambition to fuse futuristic vision with cutting-edge technological progress.