Accelerated Creation of 'Space Brain': Beijing Officially Launches Digital Space-1 Experimental Satellite Project
Beijing has officially launched the 'Digital Space-1' project, an experimental satellite for testing 'space brain' technologies capable of autonomous perception, cognition, and decision-making. Chinese scientists and companies aim to shift from 'ground control' to 'onboard intelligence' to address the management challenge of tens of thousands of low-orbit satellites.
At a conference dedicated to accelerating the implementation of the "Digital Space Strategy," the launch of the "Digital Space-1" project was announced. Academician Wei Fengsi, who proposed this strategy, emphasized that future space systems require a "space brain"—onboard intelligence integrating perception, cognition, and action into a millisecond cycle. The company Digital Space presented solutions for "satellite autopilot + space intelligent control." For this purpose, additional sensors and computing units are installed on the satellite, while on the ground, the SpaceOmni platform provides monitoring, risk prediction, constellation management, and digital twins. The project plans to collaborate with 12 commercial space companies, including Tianyi Space and Zhongke Xiguang Aerospace. It is noted that applying large language models in space is problematic due to their "black box" nature and hallucinations; therefore, the approach is based on physical models integrating engineering experience.
Source: 36Kr —
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