A new game-changing artificial intelligence (AI)-equipped Earth observation satellite was among a group of seven satellites China launched in an offshore mission at 14:37 Beijing Time on Thursday.
The "Hong Kong Youth Scientific Innovation" satellite, the world's first large-scale AI model Earth observation satellite used for sustainable urban development, was sent into planned orbit atop a Smart Dragon-3 (SD-3) commercial rocket along with six other satellites.
The debut launch of the satellite, co-developed by the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and Chinese AI satellite internet technology company ADA Space, took place two years ago, marking a major breakthrough in China's capability of developing intelligent remote sensing satellites.
Unlike traditional satellites that rely on ground-based analysis, this cutting-edge satellite incorporates large-scale AI models and can process data in real time. Its real-time data processing capabilities are a game-changer for disaster response, providing immediate information and allowing for quicker mobilization of resources.
For urban planners, access to high-resolution, real-time data will facilitate better infrastructure planning, traffic management, and environmental monitoring, supporting the development of smart cities.
Another of the satellite's key features is a sub-meter high-resolution optical remote sensing camera, enabling it to capture high-resolution images within a meter of accuracy.
These capabilities ensure detailed observation of geographical and environmental features, crucial for monitoring ecosystems and natural resources and building smart cities, particularly in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, according to Ma Peifeng, chief designer of satellite constellations at CUHK's Department of Geography and Resource Management.
"To accurately monitor the complex geographical features and other objects in cities, especially megalopolises, on Earth, we've designed a sub-meter high-resolution optical remote sensing camera for this satellite. This way we can conduct a more detailed monitoring of the environmental features in Hong Kong and the rest of the Greater Bay Area to serve our objectives in fields such as disaster prevention and mitigation, smart transportation, and ecological protection," said Ma.
The satellite is Hong Kong's first Earth observation satellite supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. CUHK is directly involved in its design, research and development, and data reception.
"Teachers and students at our university are directly participating in the research and development as well as application of the satellite. In the future, we will establish a data operation center in Hong Kong to leverage the region's strength as a global hub, so that we can provide data services for the sustainable development of cities across the world," said Ma.
China launches new AI-powered Earth observation satellite
China launches new AI-powered Earth observation satellite
