HK Media’s Sichuan-Chongqing Tour: Adaspace Develops and Launchers First AI Satellites to Open New Chapter of Global Space Computing Era

AI is expanding from ground to space. In May this year, Adaspace and Zhejiang Lab worked together to use Long March-2D carrier rocket at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to launch the first Space Computing Satellite Constellation in the world successfully. The satellite entered the intended orbit successfully, and the launch mission was a complete success. Building a space computing constellation means delivering computational power to space, achieving inter-connectivity between computing satellites, and thereby sending artificial intelligence into the heavens.

Chengdu Guoxing Yuhang Technology Co., Ltd. is an AI satellite internet technology company. By Bastillepost.

Chengdu Guoxing Yuhang Technology Co., Ltd. By Bastillepost.

The first day of HK Media’s Sichuan-Chongqing Tour, Hong Kong Media Visiting Group come to Chengdu Adaspace Technology Co., Ltd.. The AI satellite Internet technology company was founded in 2018, its headquarter is in Gaoxing District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province. Adaspace covers satellite R&D technology system, full-stack AI satellite network technology system, high-maneuverability rapid-revisit satellite technology system and so on. In February 2023, it was awarded the title of "2022 Chengdu Advanced Collective in Building a Nationally Influential Sci-Tech Innovation Center." In April 2024, it was selected for the "Digital Technology (Metaverse) Innovation Application Excellence Awards" list.

Chengdu Guoxing Yuhang Technology Co., Ltd. By Bastillepost.

Chengdu Guoxing Yuhang Technology Co., Ltd. By Bastillepost.

Space Computing Satellite Constellation is the first-launched constellation in “Space Computing” by Adaspace, which contains 12 computing satellites, carrying 8 billion-parameter space-based model, realizing “computing power ascends to orbit, on-orbit networking, and AI models deploy in space”. It can also performs in-orbit processing and inference on L0-L4 level satellite data, and will execute on-orbit tasks such as cross-orbit satellite laser access and astronomical science observation.

According to research team, the mission has made the first achievement in global space computing satellite constellation, and it will also build a space-based intelligent computing infrastructure consisting of 2,800 computing satellites in the future. With the giant constellation network being the trend of global aerospace development, the traditional mode of ground sending data to the satellite, the satellite turning to ground after execution faces challenge, since huge amount of on-board autonomous decision-making and operational systems are needed, which brings totally new requirements to space computing.

In normal case, the satellite first needs to transmit data back to the ground, which is then analyzed by ground-based data processing centers. This “space sensing, ground computing” model is constrained by factors such as ground station resources and bandwidth, resulting in less than one-tenth of effective satellite data being transmitted back to Earth, along with issues like poor data timeliness.​

Zhao Hongjie, Executive Vice President of Adaspace. Capture from CCTV news.

Zhao Hongjie, Executive Vice President of Adaspace, said when receiving the interview with CCTV News that computing power satellite had sharply promoted the ability of high-performance single-satellite space computing compared to traditional applicated satellite, and realized connectivity between satellites like Internet connecting different computers. AI cannot be absent in space because of the lack of computing power. We can turn “space data calculated by ground” into “space data calculated by space”, and turn traditional “ground data calculated by ground” into “ground and space calculate at the same time” by using computing power satellite to construct computing constellation, and finally it would serve the applications of space-edge calculation and ground AI for special scenarios.

Space Computing Constellation 021 Mission Enters Orbit.

Space Computing Constellation 021 Mission Enters Orbit.

Space Computing Constellation 021 Mission Enters Orbit.

Zhao Hongjie pointed out that the ability of providing high-performance computing and data processing on space side and making satellites connect to each other will change the model of scientific research, and provide new innovative application soil for many new productivity scenarios. “For example, we can shorten the response time of the service track of traditional satellite gathering data from month-level, week-level or day-level to second-level based on excellent space-based computing and connectivity in empowering the fields of earth observation and the Internet of things. It can provide global forest fire second-level monitor sensing through the deployment of multiple application payloads such as infrared ADS-B, with low-altitude aircraft timely monitor and positioning, which can widely short-delay needed scenarios like emergency response, disaster provision and reduce and low-altitude economy.”

Except time empowering, Space Computing Center can also empower satellite data in space, and timely processing in orbit from two-dimension to three-dimension, which can not only face digital economy to support applications like satellite 3D digital twin, but also support the application of low-altitude aircraft satellite 3D guide in low-altitude economy and provide support for robotic scenarios, including embodied AI-powered holographic city training grounds.

In scientific discovery, Space Computing Center can also play the role of space smart hub, supporting widely for huge timely on-orbit and processing of deep space exploration data, helping the computing need of deep space explore mission and dynamically improving mission plan.

On September 26, the “Hong Kong Media Sichuan-Chongqing Tour: Tale of Two Thriving Cities” concluded in Chongqing, with the delegation visiting Changan Automobile’s Global R&D Center and the Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park to gain firsthand insights into the municipality’s manufacturing prowess and pivotal logistics role.

Changan Automobile is one of China's "Big Four" automotive groups.

Changan Automobile is one of China's "Big Four" automotive groups.

Changan Automobile is one of China's "Big Four" automotive groups.

Changan Automobile is one of China's "Big Four" automotive groups.

Changan's Oshan brand held a special event.

Changan Origin E07 .

AVATR is one of the three major brands under Changan Automobile.

AVATR is one of the three major brands under Changan Automobile.

The group toured Changan Automobile’s Global R&D Center. Changan, one of China’s top four automotive groups, boasts 163 years of history and 41 years of car-making expertise, with 14 global manufacturing bases and 39 factories.

Deepal Auto is one of the three major brands under Changan Automobile.

Deepal Auto is one of the three major brands under Changan Automobile.

Deepal Auto is one of the three major brands under Changan Automobile.

Embracing the era of “smart new vehicles,” Changan is transforming cars from mere “transportation machines” to “smart new species” with evolving “intelligence” and “emotional quotient.” These vehicles offer drivers a seamless, intelligent travel experience across all scenarios.

The delegation also visited the Inland International Logistics Hub Exhibition Center, a showcase of Chongqing’s efforts to fulfill President Xi Jinping’s vision of building an inland international logistics hub and open highland. Through a model of “corridors driving logistics, logistics boosting trade, and trade fostering industries,” Chongqing has achieved significant results. Located in the Golden Bay Smart Valley of the Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park, the center spans 2.7 hectares with a total building area of 8,620 square meters. Its exhibition area covers 3,132 square meters, including a 2,082-square-meter core display space, a 770-square-meter product showcase, and a 280-square-meter flight theater, with additional facilities like meeting rooms, reception halls, and rest areas.

The General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party inspected Chongqing in 2024.

Exhibition Center for Chongqing's Inland International Logistics Hub.

The core exhibition, spanning 2,100 square meters, features eight sections: Opening History, Hub City, Hub Corridors, Hub Stations, Hub Ports, Hub Economy, Hub Environment, and Open Outlook. These highlight Chongqing’s transformation from an inland region to an open hub, with logistics and urban development synergizing to support its hub city status.

Chongqing is an inland international logistics hub center.

Building a new-era open inland highland.

The Chongqing Railway Container Center Station, one of 18 key stations designated by China Railway, is Chongqing’s sole top-tier railway logistics base and its largest container handling station. Since its establishment, it has leveraged its inland logistics hub role to enhance global connectivity, serving as a key origin for international routes like the Western Land-Sea New Corridor intermodal trains, China-Europe (Yuxinou) trains, Chongqing-Manchuria-Russia trains, and Chongqing-Ningbo trains.

Schematic diagram of Chongqing's role as a link between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

Chongqing Municipality is committed to developing a logistics hub center

A docent explains the situation at the Chongqing Railway Container Center Station.

With advanced design, superior rail conditions, cutting-edge handling equipment, robust information systems, and comprehensive facilities, the station’s handling volume grew from 198,000 TEUs in 2010 to 702,000 TEUs in 2023, with a 15% annual growth rate. Rail freight accounts for about 70% of total shipments. The station offers core services like container transport, storage, transshipment, distribution, and warehousing, plus extended services such as container repairs, reefer charging, sea container returns, and road delivery, ensuring robust support for container train operations. Its 80,000-square-meter customs supervision area has 2,000 40-foot container slots, capable of storing boxes for 40 international trains like China-Europe routes, equipped with customs and inspection facilities, verification platforms, full digital management, and 24/7 monitoring.

Chongqing is committed to building an important strategic pivot for the new era of large-scale development.