In a bold move this year, Beijing, the capital of the Chinese mainland, unveiled an ambitious plan to bring AI computing into space. The project will establish a space data center in the near-Earth dawn-dusk orbit, roughly 700–800 kilometers above the planet.
Backed by the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Beijing Astro-Future Institute of Space Technology, the system aims to deliver over 1 gigawatt of power. It will feature dedicated subsystems for space-based computing, relay transmission and ground control. Each node can host server clusters with millions of units, paving the way for large-scale AI processing beyond Earth.
Key milestones:
- 2025–2027: Overcome core technologies and launch the first computing constellation.
- 2028–2030: Integrate ground-based data processing with space-based computing power.
- By 2035: Deploy a full-scale space data center supporting advanced AI workloads.
An innovation consortium—led by the Beijing Astro-Future Institute of Space Technology and 24 industry partners—is driving construction and real-world applications. By blending AI, mobile communications, new materials and renewable energy, this group aims to spark fresh business models in space-based information services.
The first experimental satellite is set for launch at the end of 2025 or early 2026, marking the start of an era where computing power transcends borders and even gravity. For tech innovators, gamers, remote researchers and digital nomads, low-latency processing from space could reshape how we work and connect around the globe.
With strong support from the city, this initiative positions Beijing as a rising global hub for space tech and AI innovation, forging new industrial chains and closing the commercial loop on space-based services.
Reference(s):
Beijing to bring AI computing to space with new data center plan
cgtn.com
