China To Launch Constellation of 192 AI-Controlled Satellites By 2021

It is the age of satellite constellations. After SpaceX and Amazon, now China too has plans to launch a constellation of earth-orbiting satellites -- and they will be controlled by artifical intelligence.

China Central Television, a state broadcaster, revealed that the AI-controlled constellation is set to be released by 2021.

The AI-controlled satellite constellation will be composed of individual satellites that will be called Leo satellites. The total of 192 individual Leo satellites, when put together, will form a constellation which will be known as the Xingshidai.

The AI satellite constellation will be utilized for traffic monitoring as well as environmental monitoring. It will also be useful in the disaster prevention role.

Xingshidai will use multiple resolution sensors. This will ensure that no low-quality images will be sent to Earth and prevent the unnecessary use of resources for low-quality images and data.

The report quoted a source to say that the AI-controlled constellation will be controlled remotely. The satellites' main control system will be on Earth as they will not be autopilot ready.

As of the moment, the Xingshidai Leo satellites are rolling out of production. ADASpace, a Chengdu based Chinese private company, is behind making the satellite constellation a reality.

Bringing the AI controlled satellite constellation to the orbit is another thing that China has likely ironed out. A group headed by Wang Long, project manager of the Chinese team behind the operation, will use the Julang-1 booster rockets to launch the satellites to orbit. This big leap could cost cost around 25 million yuan or £2.87million.

Julang-1 has the capability of reaching up to 600 kilometers, or 372 miles, altitude, and carry up to 330 lbs or 150 kg weight.

China has made rapid strides in space. China Chang Zheng reportedly launched 11 rockets from seven spacecraft last month. The country also sent a lander to the dark side of the moon. But experts believe the country still needs to advance in radars, optical devices, and computer chips.