3-2-2024 (BEIJING) Geely Holding Group, the Chinese automaker, announced on Saturday the successful launch of 11 low-earth orbit satellites, marking its second dispatch as part of its efforts to enhance navigation accuracy for autonomous vehicles.
The satellites were launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province, according to a statement from Geely sent to Reuters.
Geely has ambitious plans for its satellite network, with a target of having 72 satellites in orbit by 2025 and ultimately aiming for a constellation of 240.
The first launch took place in June 2022, and this recent deployment signifies another milestone for Geely’s satellite initiative.
Beyond providing precise positioning support for self-driving cars, Geely’s satellite network will also serve various commercial purposes, including connectivity for the consumer electronics sector.
Equipped with AI remote sensing capabilities, the satellites offer high-resolution imaging with a clarity of 1 to 5 meters (3.2 to 16.4 feet), as stated by the company.
While China’s satellite networks have traditionally been dominated by military applications, the government opened up the space industry to private investment in 2014. Since then, numerous commercial companies, some with backing from local governments, have flocked to the sector. The majority of these companies focus on satellite manufacturing, while others strive to develop small launch vehicles, including reusable rockets.
In its recently unveiled five-year plan for 2021-2025, Beijing emphasized the importance of establishing an integrated satellite network for communication, remote sensing, and navigation purposes. China currently has over 400 deployed satellites in space, including those owned by commercial entities, according to state media sources.
