On Thursday (Nov. 27), the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Beijing Astro-Future Institute of Space Technology revealed a bold plan to launch an AI-powered space data center in near-Earth dawn-dusk orbit, about 700–800 km above our planet. 🤖☁️
The system will pack over 1 gigawatt of power, featuring subsystems for space-based computing, relay transmission, and ground control. Each sub-center could house server clusters totalling millions of units — essentially, a cloud in the sky! 🚀
Here's the 3-phase rollout:
- 2025–2027: Overcome core tech hurdles and launch phase 1 of the computing constellation.
- 2028–2030: Integrate Earth data centers with space-based AI resources for seamless processing.
- By 2035: Deploy a full-scale gigawatt-level space data hub capable of real-time space-based computing.
A new innovation consortium led by the Beijing Astro-Future Institute and 24 partners across the industrial chain will drive construction and real-world applications. Expect collaborations around AI, mobile communications, new materials, and renewable energy to spawn fresh business models in space-based info services. 🌐🔋
The first-gen experimental satellite is already built, with liftoff slated for late 2025 or early 2026. It'll be the proof-of-concept for orbiting AI workloads and rapid data relays back to Earth. 🛰️
This fusion of commercial space and AI cements Beijing's ambition to be a global innovation hub. For young tech enthusiasts in South and Southeast Asia, it signals a future where ultra-low-latency AI, global connectivity, and new space apps become part of our everyday lives. What could you build with compute power in orbit? 🌍💡
Reference(s):
Beijing to bring AI computing to space with new data center plan
cgtn.com
