The satellites were launched from the Xichang Satellite
Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan, Geely said in a
statement sent to Reuters.
Geely said it expects 72 to be in orbit by 2025 and
eventually plans to have a constellation of 240.
The first launch was conducted in June 2022.
In addition to providing high-precision positioning support
to self-driving cars, Geely said its network will also serve other commercial
functions such as connectivity to the consumer electronics sector.
The satellites have AI remote sensing functions, providing
1-5 meter (3.2-16.4 ft) clear high-resolution remote sensing imaging, the
company said.
China’s satellite networks are dominated by its military but
the government began to allow private investment in the country’s space
industry in 2014. Since then, commercial companies, some backed by local
governments, have rushed into the sector, with the majority focusing on making
satellites and the rest attempting to build small launch vehicles including
reusable rockets.
In its latest five-year plan for 2021-2025, Beijing has called for an integrated network of satellites for communications, remote sensing and navigation. China has more than 400 satellites deployed in space, including commercially owned satellites, according to state media.
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