China Begins Building the Three-Body Computing Constellation

In a groundbreaking move, China has launched a new initiative aimed at creating an orbital supercomputer by deploying a vast network of AI-powered satellites. This ambitious project, known as the Three-Body Computing Constellation, is designed to enhance global data processing capabilities and propel China to the forefront of space technology.

On May 14, 2025, China successfully launched the first 12 satellites as part of this constellation, marking the beginning of what is expected to be one of the most advanced space computing systems ever built. The launch took place from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, a key facility for China’s space endeavors, and it was carried out in collaboration with ADA Space, Zhejiang Lab, and the Neijiang High-Tech Zone.

Key Features of the Three-Body Computing Constellation:

• AI-Powered Satellites: Each satellite in the constellation is equipped with AI models containing up to 8 billion parameters, allowing them to process vast amounts of data autonomously. These satellites are designed to work together to perform complex computations in space, essentially forming a distributed supercomputer orbiting Earth.

• Targeted Computing Power: The overall goal for the constellation is to reach a combined computing power equivalent to 1,000 "POPS" (Peta Operations Per Second). This level of computational capability would significantly enhance artificial intelligence research, satellite communication, and various space-based technologies.

• High-Speed Data Transfer: To ensure smooth and efficient communication between the satellites, the constellation is equipped with 100 Gbps laser links. These high-speed connections will enable fast data transfer across the satellites, allowing for seamless coordination and real-time computation.

• Energy-Efficient and Space-Optimized Processing: A major challenge for space-based computing systems is managing power consumption and ensuring that the hardware is optimized for the harsh conditions of space. The Three-Body Computing Constellation is designed with advanced energy-efficient technologies and optimized data processing, ensuring that the system can operate sustainably in space for long periods.

This ambitious project has far-reaching implications for both space exploration and Earth-based technology. The Three-Body Computing Constellation could play a pivotal role in advancing AI research, satellite communications, and space-based data processing. With its immense computing power, the constellation will likely be used for various applications, including climate modeling, global communications, and potentially even space exploration missions.

The successful deployment of these satellites marks the first step in a larger plan to create a fully operational network capable of performing computations at an unprecedented scale. As more satellites are launched in the coming years, the Three-Body Computing Constellation will become an essential part of China’s efforts to establish dominance in space technology and artificial intelligence.

Sources:

• China National Space Administration (CNSA) – Space Technology Developments

• SpaceNews – China’s AI-Powered Satellite Network

• IEEE Spectrum – China's Plans for AI Satellites and Space Computing

• Scientific American – Space-Based AI: The Future of Satellite Computing