Intelligent transformation boosts commercial satellite data efficiency: experts

The intelligent transformation of commercial satellites, driven by the integration of technologies involving communications, sensing and computing, has greatly improved their efficiency in collecting, processing and transmitting data, experts said.

A recent example is a "smart" satellite launched aboard a Lijian-1 Y18 carrier rocket along with another eight satellites. Developed by the Pengcheng Laboratory in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong Province, the satellite is equipped with multiple payloads integrating laser communications, remote sensing and intelligent computing.

In the past, large volumes of imagery from remote sensing satellites had to be transmitted back to Earth for screening and processing. Now, with onboard intelligent computing, part of the identification and processing can be done directly on the satellite.

For time-sensitive missions such as disaster prevention and relief, this shift means some tasks that once require half a day to a full day to process can now be done in minutes.

"Based on the existing communications satellite platform, we want to further expand the capabilities of an individual satellite, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of our space-based infrastructure," said Wang Ye, director of the aerospace institute under the laboratory's broadband communications research department.

"Communications, sensing and computing are integrating at an accelerating pace. This is driven, on the one hand, by demand for real-time space-based services. The traditional way of separate deployment leads to high latency, low coordination efficiency and huge bandwidth costs from transmitting all raw data to the ground. On the other hand, breakthroughs in onboard hardware, laser communications and payload integration now make it possible to coordinate sensing, communications and computing through hardware resource reuse and integrated resources scheduling," said Ma Xiaokai, deputy secretary-general of the Space Computing Working Committee of the China Computer Industry Association.

Intelligent transformation boosts commercial satellite data efficiency: experts

All 50 districts of Bangkok have been declared flood disaster areas, according to a statement issued Saturday by the city's disaster prevention and mitigation command and signed by Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt.

Persistent heavy rain has put the Thai capital's drainage system under pressure. In many areas, cars were seen moving through flooded roads as pedestrians waded through the water.

Disaster relief efforts are underway. More than 10,000 troops, along with over 1,000 vehicles and pieces of equipment, have been deployed by the Ministry of Defense to affected areas to help evacuate residents, transport supplies and reinforce flood-control facilities. Some military facilities have also been opened as temporary shelters.

Schools affected by the flooding may suspend classes or adjust teaching arrangements according to local conditions.

The Thai Meteorological Department said the persistent rainfall was caused by the interaction between a low-pressure system and the monsoon trough.

Rainfall in Bangkok is expected to ease on Sunday. Drainage efforts are being stepped up, with floodwaters in some areas expected to recede within one or two days.

Bangkok declares all 50 districts flood disaster areas