China’s orbital AI leap: Space-based computing constellation launch ignites global tech competition

By willowt // 2025-05-24

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China launched 12 satellites on May 14 to form the first stage of a 2,800-satellite AI supercomputer constellation.
The system processes data in space at 5 peta operations/second, reducing reliance on energy-heavy ground-based data centers.
Key features include laser-linked satellites, X-ray sensors for cosmic research and partnerships with Alibaba and SoftStone.
The project aligns with China’s 2030 AI goals and poses challenges to U.S. tech leadership amid Pentagon warnings of strategic risks.
Environmental benefits include zero-carbon computing, leveraging solar power and the space vacuum for cooling efficiency.

China has taken a major stride in the race for AI supremacy, launching the first cluster of satellites for a revolutionary 2,800-raft artificial intelligence (AI) supercomputer constellation. The mission, a collaboration between startup ADA Space and the Zhejiang Lab, signals a strategic shift in how data is processed in space — and could reshape global technological competition for decades. On May 14, a Long March 2D rocket soared from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, deploying 12 satellites that will be the core of the Three-Body Computing Constellation. Named after both the gravitational physics problem that inspired Chinese science-fiction classic The Three-Body Problem and the real-world engineering complexities of satellite coordination, the array will process data in orbit rather than transmitting it down, a breakthrough that reduces reliance on energy-intensive and vulnerable ground-based infrastructure.

The launch: China’s first step toward orbital computing dominance

The mission marks the first operational deployment of a space-based AI network, with each satellite carrying an 8-billion-parameter AI model capable of 744 tera operations per second (TOPS). Collectively, the 12 satellites boast 5 peta operations per second (POPS), equaling a top-tier supercomputer. By 2030, the constellation will scale to 2,800 satellites, delivering a one-quintillion-operations-per-second (exa-scale) compute power — surpassing Earth-bound data centers in speed and scope. “This is a foundational shift,” said Wang Jian, director of Zhejiang Lab, at a tech conference in Macau. “Space is once again the frontier for computing, and China is here to lead.” The satellites use laser-interlink technology to form a self-healing mesh network, enabling ultrafast data transfer at 100 Gbps. One satellite carries an X-ray polarimeter to study cosmic phenomena like gamma-ray bursts, demonstrating the constellation’s dual-purpose nature for scientific research and commercial applications.

Why in-space computing matters

As remote-sensing satellites grow in number, data bottlenecks have become critical. Satellites can collect terabytes of information daily, but less than 10% is transmitted to Earth due to bandwidth limits and ground-station coverage gaps. By processing data onboard, the Three-Body system reduces redundancies, enabling real-time analysis for tasks like disaster monitoring, tactical intelligence, or autonomous vehicle navigation. The constellation’s zero-carbon footprint also makes it a cornerstone of China’s “New Infrastructures” campaign, as solar power and the space environment’s natural cooling eliminate the need for land-based data centers consuming millions of watts annually. “This isn’t just about tech — it’s about sustainability,” said ADA Space VP Luo Ziying in a statement.

A new arena in the U.S.-China tech war

The launch underscores strategic competition with U.S. and European rivals, who have tested edge computing in space but lag in operational scale. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt warned Congress in April that data centers may demand 67 gigawatts more power by 2030, pushing countries toward space-based alternatives. U.S. military and aerospace leaders view China’s project as a dual-use threat. “If China controls where data is processed, they’ll control the ‘rules of the road’ in space,” warned a 2024 Pentagon report. Washington has yet to deploy a comparable system, though SpaceX and AWS have explored private partnerships for space computing.

Partnerships, ambitions and risks

The constellation’s development involved Alibaba and telecom firm SoftStone, reflecting China’s state-private tech synergy. Zhejiang Lab, backed by Alibaba’s Hangzhou base, is a keystone of President Xi Jinping’s mandate to achieve AI dominance by 2030. However, critics highlight risks. A misplaced satellite or faulty laser link could fail catastrophically, and the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission cautions that such systems could be weaponized. “A satellite that can process battlefield data in seconds becomes a military advantage,” said James Lewis, a cybersecurity specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

A new frontier, old fears

China’s orbital AI leap is more than a tech sprint — it’s a geopolitical milestone. By placing supercomputer power in space, Beijing is redefining the boundaries of computing and sovereignty. For the U.S., the message is clear: Adapt or fall behind in a domain where the final frontier has become the most contested battlefield. As the Three-Body constellation expands into the stars, so too does its shadow over global innovation — and security. China’s Three-Body Computing Constellation is not just a marvel of engineering but a bold statement of ambition. By marrying artificial intelligence with space infrastructure, the project tests the limits of computational power while challenging Western dominance in technology and diplomacy. The next few years will determine whether Earth’s orbit becomes a hub for peaceful innovation — or a tinderbox for new kinds of warfare. Sources for this article include: LiveScience.com SpaceNews.com TecSpectrum.com