China has launched 12 satellites into space as part of a project to establish a network of orbital supercomputers, led by the startup ADA Space and the Zhejiang Laboratory.
The Long March 2D rocket lifted off on May 14 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
The 12 satellites delivered into orbit form the “Three-Body Computing Cluster”—an ambitious Chinese project to create a global orbital satellite system designed for distributed computing and artificial intelligence support. The network will process data directly in space, reducing reliance on ground infrastructure.
According to SCMP, the advantage of a space-based supercomputer extends beyond saving time on communication. Traditional data transmission results in the loss of over 90% of data due to limited bandwidth and issues with the availability of ground stations.
“Orbital information processing centers can harness solar energy and radiate their heat into space, reducing energy needs and lowering the carbon footprint,” emphasized astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell.
The satellites are equipped with laser communication channels to interact with each other at speeds of up to 100 Gbps and “advanced capabilities” in artificial intelligence. Each carries an AI model with 8 billion parameters and can perform 744 TOPS—a measure of computational performance. According to ADA Space, collectively, the satellites can perform five POPS.
One of the devices carries a space X-ray polarimeter, which will detect, identify, and classify transient events, such as gamma-ray bursts, while simultaneously sending signals to enable follow-up observations by other missions.
ADA Space noted that the deployed orbital modules represent the world’s first specialized computing group, marking a shift from satellites focused solely on sensing or communication to devices that also serve as data operators and AI platforms.
The system is part of the broader “Star Computing” program, which plans to create a vast orbital network of 2800 satellites. The company believes it will meet the growing demand for real-time computing in space.
Founded in 2018, ADA Space specializes in satellite technology and space computing based on AI.
Back in September 2024, the institute for the search for intelligent extraterrestrial life turned to artificial intelligence and machine learning to search for signs of aliens.