China’s Geely launches 11 low-orbit satellites for autonomous cars

  • Geely successfully launched 11 satellites, including “Geely Galaxy,” from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, empowering global autonomous driving and smart connected services.
  • The Future Mobility Constellation by Geespace, Geely’s subsidiary, is the world’s first commercial integrated constellation, with 20 satellites currently in orbit.
  • The constellation’s phased deployment aims to provide global real-time data communication, high-precision positioning, and AI remote sensing services, marking Geely’s commitment to advanced satellite applications in various industries.

On February 3rd, Geely announced the successful launch of 11 satellites, including ‘Geely Galaxy,’ from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, entering designated orbits. This satellite deployment aims to empower Geely’s autonomous driving and smart connected services globally, contrasting with Tesla‘s Starlink. Geely’s constellation supports its intelligent vehicle network, offering comprehensive global two-way satellite services. It signifies not only Geely’s ambitions in space but also its exploration and pursuit of future intelligent transportation. The Future Mobility Constellation, operated by Geely Holdings Group’s Geespace, has 20 satellites currently in orbit.

Also read: SpaceX’s Starlink finally breaks even, Musk says

According to Geespace, the Future Mobility Constellation is the world’s first commercial communication, navigation, and remote sensing integrated constellation developed by Zhejiang Geespace Technology Co., Ltd. The first batch of 9 satellites was successfully launched in June 2022, and they have been in stable operation for over a year. The 11 satellites launched today are deployed in the second orbital plane of the constellation and manufactured at Geespace’s Taizhou Satellite Super Factory.

The constellation with 72 satellites is set to be deployed by 2025

Moreover, Geespace revealed that the first phase of the constellation with 72 satellites is set to be deployed by 2025, achieving global real-time data communication services. The second phase will expand to 168 satellites, providing global centimetre-level high-precision positioning services, catering to industries like automotive, consumer electronics, etc., with high-reliability and low-cost application services. Simultaneously, the constellation satellites feature AI remote sensing capabilities, offering 1-5 meters high-resolution remote sensing imagery products and services, empowering ecological environment monitoring, among other areas.

Geespace collaborates with global operators

Regarding commercial implementation, in 2023, Geespace achieved aerospace product mass production, and satellite communication and ground-based high-precision positioning applications have been applied on a large scale. Geely models like Zeekr 001FR, Zeekr 007, and Geely Galaxy E8, based on Geespace technology, already possess satellite communication capabilities. After the completion of the Future Mobility Constellation, it will provide satellite application services to global users. Currently, Geespace has collaborated with operators in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and other regions to jointly promote the global development of satellite application services.

Chloe-Chen

Chloe Chen

Chloe Chen is a junior writer at BTW Media. She graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and had various working experiences in the finance and fintech industry. Send tips to c.chen@btw.media.

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