Chinese car manufacturers Geely Holding Group said on Saturday it launched a second dispatch of 11 low-orbit satellites to expand its ability to provide more precise navigation for self-driving cars.
Geely Auto said in a statement that the satellite was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwestern Sichuan province. Geely said it expects to have 72 aircraft in orbit by 2025 and plans an eventual constellation of 240 aircraft. The first launch took place in June 2022.
Geely Auto said that in addition to providing high-precision positioning support for self-driving cars, its network will also provide other commercial functions, such as connectivity to the consumer electronics sector.
According to the company, the satellite is equipped with AI remote sensing capabilities and provides clear, high-resolution remote sensing images at a distance of 1 to 5 meters.
China's satellite network is dominated by the military, but the government began allowing private investment in the country's space industry in 2014. Since then, commercial companies, some supported by local governments, have entered the field, with most focusing on satellite manufacturing. And the rest are trying to build small launch vehicles, including reusable rockets.
In its latest five-year plan for 2021-2025, the Chinese government calls for an integrated network of satellites for communications, remote sensing and navigation. According to state media, China has more than 400 satellites in space, including commercial satellites. — Zhang Yan, (c) 2024 Reuters
