Accelerating 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 transition from "ground control" to "onboard intelligence" to solve the management problem of tens of thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit.
At a conference focused on accelerating the implementation of the "Digital Space Strategy," the launch of the "Digital Space-1" project was announced. Academician Wei Fengsi, who proposed the strategy, emphasized that future space systems require a "space brain"—an onboard intelligence that integrates perception, cognition, and action into a millisecond cycle. The company Digital Space presented the solutions "satellite autopilot + space intelligent control." To achieve this, 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 the application of large language models in space is problematic due to their "black box" nature and hallucinations, so the approach is based on physical models that incorporate engineering expertise.
Source: 36Kr —
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