China Pioneers Space-Based Computing: A Leap Towards Orbital Data Processing

China has launched 12 satellites as part of the Three-Body Computing Constellation, aiming to establish a space-based computing system rivaling Earth’s most powerful supercomputers. Developed by Zhejiang Lab, the system will enable real-time in-orbit data processing at 1,000 peta operations per second. This innovation addresses Earth-based data limitations, reduces resource consumption, and leverages solar energy. The initiative marks a pivotal step towards orbital data centers, revolutionizing global computing infrastructure.

China has taken a significant step forward in the realm of space technology with the launch of its first batch of satellites for the ambitious Three-Body Computing Constellation. This groundbreaking initiative aims to establish a space-based computing system that could rival the most powerful ground-based supercomputers. The launch, conducted using a Long March 2D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, occurred on Wednesday around noon, as reported by state-owned Guangming Daily.

A total of twelve satellites, each equipped with advanced computing systems and inter-satellite communication capabilities, form the initial phase of this constellation. Developed by Zhejiang Lab, a research institute backed by the Zhejiang provincial government, the system is designed to enable real-time data processing directly in orbit. Upon completion, the constellation is expected to achieve an extraordinary computing capacity of 1,000 peta operations per second (POPS)—equivalent to one quintillion operations per second.

To put this in perspective, last year’s most powerful supercomputer, the El Capitan system at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, delivers a computing capacity of over 1.72 POPS. This comparison highlights the immense potential of China’s space computing project.

A New Era of Orbital Data Centres

Jonathan McDowell, a space historian and astronomer at Harvard University, noted that the concept of cloud computing in space is gaining considerable traction. “Orbital data centres can harness solar energy and dissipate heat directly into space, thereby lowering energy consumption and reducing their carbon footprint,” McDowell explained. He added that China’s recent satellite launch marks a pivotal test of the networking capabilities required for such systems.

The global demand for data processing is surging, with data centres worldwide estimated to consume over 1,000 terawatt hours of electricity annually by 2026—equivalent to Japan’s entire electricity consumption, according to the International Energy Agency. Cooling these centres further exacerbates resource use, with tech giants like Google utilizing billions of gallons of water annually to regulate temperatures within their facilities.

Tackling Earth-Based Limits with In-Orbit Processing

Traditional satellite operations involve collecting data in space and transmitting it back to Earth for analysis. This process, however, is constrained by limited ground station availability and bandwidth. As a result, only a fraction of the data collected—less than 10 percent—makes it back to Earth, often with substantial delays. Space-based computing offers a promising solution to this bottleneck by enabling satellites to process data directly in orbit.

The twelve satellites launched by China are equipped with cutting-edge capabilities to address these challenges. Each satellite can process up to 744 trillion operations per second and is interconnected through high-speed laser links, achieving data transfer rates of up to 100 gigabits per second. Together, the network provides a combined computing power of 5 POPS and a total on-board storage capacity of 30 terabytes.

Moreover, the constellation features a space-based artificial intelligence (AI) model with 8 billion parameters, enabling the satellites to process raw data in orbit. This AI-driven system will be tested for various applications, including cross-orbit laser communication and astronomical observations.

Collaborative Development for a High-Tech Future

The development of this sophisticated infrastructure has involved multiple key players. Zhejiang Lab spearheaded the creation of the on-board AI systems and space-based models that power the constellation’s computing capabilities. Chengdu-based Guoxing Aerospace, an AI satellite developer, contributed to the intelligent satellite platforms and supervised the assembly process. HiStarlink, a start-up specializing in laser communication technology, developed the high-speed optical terminals that facilitate data exchange between satellites.

Looking Ahead

As resource-intensive Earth-based data centres face mounting challenges, the potential of space-based computing becomes increasingly apparent. By leveraging solar energy and reducing reliance on terrestrial infrastructure, orbital data centres could revolutionize how data is processed and stored. With this launch, China has positioned itself at the forefront of this transformative technology, paving the way for a future where space-based computing plays a central role in meeting global data demands.

This article draws on reporting by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) as the primary source of information.