Chinese satellites integrate communication, navigation and sensing

Geespace, a commercial satellite technology and services company, carried out its second satellite launch from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in China at the beginning of February. Eleven satellites were launched into low Earth orbit as part of the ‘Geely Future Mobility Constellation’ plan to establish a satellite constellation.

This plan is, according to Geespace, the first commercial initiative in the world to integrate communication, navigation and remote sensing systems (or TT&C – Telemetry, Tracking, and Command) into a single satellite network. The first nine satellites were launched in June 2022 and more will be launched in the future.

In September 2021, Geely’s production and testing centre began mass production of commercial satellites with an annual production capacity of 500 units, using a modular manufacturing model that can be easily customised to meet changes in global demand.

“Many favourable factors, such as political support and market demand, are accelerating the growth of the commercial aerospace sector. By establishing the ‘Geely Future Mobility Constellation’ initiative, Geespace is positioning itself to meet future demands for high-precision positioning, space communication capabilities and remote sensing services. In addition, by offering Geespace’s commercial satellite production capabilities and infrastructure services, new development opportunities have been generated in various sectors, such as smart mobility, consumer electronics, unmanned systems, smart cities and environmental protection,” says Tony Wang, CEO and chief scientist of Geespace.

Founded in 2018, Geespace stands out as the only private entity in China to have established a satellite business model that covers satellite development, production, TT&C and application. In addition, Geespace claims to be a world pioneer in the development of satellite communications for the automotive sector. Among the models in the Geely Holding Group portfolio currently equipped with satellite communication functionalities are the new Zeekr 001 FR, Zeekr 007 and Geely Galaxy E8.

In March 2020, Geely Holding Group, the Chinese automotive and technology giant of which Geespace is a part, announced investments of around US$326 million in the satellite factory located in the coastal city of Taizhou, Zhejiang province, considered the company’s hometown.

By 2025, Geespace aims to provide global real-time communication services via satellite after fully deploying 72 satellites. The second phase of the ‘Geely Future Mobility Constellation’ will expand the network with a further 168 satellites, totalling 250 units, to offer global centimetre-precise positioning services to various sectors, such as autonomous driving, smart connectivity and consumer electronics. The remote sensing functions of Geespace’s satellites feature Artificial Intelligence capabilities, providing high-resolution images from 1 to 5 metres. This technology can help with environmental monitoring and offer versatile imaging solutions for various other sectors.

Geespace operates and manages the satellite constellation through a network of ground stations in China established in Qingdao, Taizhou, Korla, Chengdu and Harbin. Initially, the services will cover the Chinese market and the Asia-Pacific region, but there are plans to expand it worldwide after 2026.

Once in orbit, Geespace satellites have an expected operational lifespan of five years. After this period, they will be launched into the Earth’s atmosphere and will disintegrate without leaving any space debris behind, according to the company.

In the near future, Geespace intends to start working with partners in the logistics sector to create the first complete monitoring services platform with real-time management and control of transport processes. It also wants to help protect the environment with the Geely Holding Group’s ‘Blue Guardian’ social responsibility project by monitoring maritime water quality and identifying clean debris patches. They will also participate in the next Asian Games with high-precision positioning systems, remote sensing and satellite communication services.