In a major leap for next-generation computing, researchers from China’s Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications have announced significant progress in space computing, with their self-developed space server operating successfully in orbit for nearly 1 year.
The server, deployed aboard Beiyou-2 and Beiyou-3 satellites, has completed multiple scientific experiments, validating its core technical architecture and strengthening China’s space computing capabilities. The initiative is led by Professor Wang Shangguang and the TianSuan Constellation team.
The research marks progress in inter-satellite consensus algorithms, laying the foundation for future space-based distributed computing networks. In AI and communications, the team achieved a 50-fold improvement in image parsing and information acquisition through star-ground collaboration. It also confirmed stable performance of a 6G satellite-borne core network under extreme space conditions.
Advancements in software and data transmission were also demonstrated. Containerization enabled efficient satellite software updates, reducing average transmission latency by 56.54%. Semantic communication technology helped overcome bandwidth limitations and high error rates in satellite links.
Space computing involves deploying computing infrastructure directly in orbit using satellites equipped with radiation-hardened chips, servers, and storage. This transforms satellites from basic sensors into intelligent processing nodes, enabling real-time performance and broader global coverage.
According to Wang Peng from the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, space computing is gaining momentum as global AI demand rises. He noted that ground-based computing faces challenges such as energy consumption, heat management, and land constraints, while space offers abundant solar energy and natural cooling conditions.
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has indicated continued support for research and development in this area, aiming to accelerate the growth of the space computing industry.
According to Xie Lina from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology, China has already achieved on-orbit networking and operation of a space computing constellation, a global first.
Looking ahead, China plans to build a global space infrastructure of 2,800 computing-power satellites by 2035. This network is expected to function as a space-based supercomputing system and may be made available to global partners.
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