China Launches 12 Satellites for Space-Based Data Network

China launched 12 satellites into low Earth orbit as part of its “Three-Body Computing Constellation,” marking the initial deployment in a planned network of 2,800 satellites. The mission was carried out using a Long March-2D carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.

Jointly developed by Hangzhou-based Zhejiang Lab and commercial firm ADA Space (Chengdu Guoxing Aerospace Technology), the constellation is the first purpose-built orbital computing network designed to process data directly in space. According to Zhejiang Lab, the project is a large-scale space computing infrastructure aiming to reach 1,000 peta operations per second (POPS) when fully operational.

“The initiative aims to overcome the efficiency bottlenecks of traditional satellite data handling and advance the application and development of artificial intelligence in space. The construction of the constellation will greatly expand the boundaries of space applications and will have far-reaching significance for the air and space industry,” said Wang Jian, director, Zhejiang Lab and academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

The 12 satellites launched this week collectively offer 5 POPS of processing power and 30 terabytes of storage capacity. They are equipped with on-board intelligent computing capabilities and high-speed laser inter-satellite links reaching up to 100 Gbps. In addition to supporting in-orbit AI computing, the satellites carry remote sensing payloads and advanced data processing units that significantly reduce the need for ground-based data transmission.

ADA Space emphasized the novelty of the launch, describing it as “the world’s first dedicated orbital computing constellation.” The company noted that the project transitions satellite functions from merely sensing and relaying data to full on-orbit processing. “This capability allows for real-time data analysis and processing, enabling faster decision-making and reducing ground communication delays,” the company said.

One of the satellites also carries a scientific instrument: a cosmic X-ray polarimeter developed by Guangxi University and the National Astronomical Observatories of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. It is designed to detect and classify gamma-ray bursts and other transient cosmic events, transmitting automated alerts to coordinate follow-up observations with other missions.