On May 14, China took a leap into the future of computing as it launched the initial 12 satellites of its ambitious Three-Body Computing Constellation, the world\u2019s first try at constructing a space-based supercomputer network. Launching from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre on a Long March 2D rocket, every satellite is filled with smart computing apparatus and laser-quick inter-satellite communication connections, opening a new era of in-orbit data processing. When completely rolled out, this constellation will provide 1,000 peta operations per second (POPS) \u2014 matching Earth\u2019s strongest supercomputers such as the US-based El Capitan, which has a\u00a0rating of 1.72 POPS. China\u2019s existing\u00a012-satellite launch already provides a respectable 5 POPS and has 30\u00a0terabytes of onboard storage, as per Chinese media.<\/p>\n
What makes this unique is not only the computing power, but where it\u2019s occurring. In contrast to conventional satellites that send information to Earth to be analysed, the three-body satellites will take decisions on raw data in space with AI-based systems that have 8 billion parameters. Information will pass between satellites through ultra-high-speed 100 Gbps laser links, lessening dependency on ground-based infrastructure and\u00a0cutting the time taken to process\u00a0and respond to enormous amounts\u00a0of information.<\/p>\n
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Subimal Bhattacharjee<\/a>, a defence and cyber security expert and former India country head of General Dynamics, a global aerospace and defence company, opines the launch is an inflection point for global tech dynamics. \u201cChina\u2019s launch of those 12 satellites for a space-based supercomputing network is a game-changer,\u201d Bhattacharjee told FE. \u201cThis three-body computing constellation with its AI-powered, real-time data crunching in orbit could outpace Earth\u2019s top supercomputers. It is shaking up global tech rivalry, especially between China and the US.\u201d<\/p>\n Expanding the network to 2,800 satellites, spearheaded by ADA Space, Zhijiang Laboratory, and the Neijang High-Tech Zone, China is establishing a foundation for an orbital computer system that would shape everything from climate science and disaster relief to astronomy and real-time military operations. Zhejiang Lab is a research institute backed by China\u2019s Zhejiang provincial government.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a big deal for the future of computing,\u201d Bhattacharjee said. \u201cI think quicker climate models or disaster response is a promising step in a techno leap. But it also raises cybersecurity red flags, like surveillance risks.\u201d<\/p>\n
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