The first-ever satellites launched by the Chinese automotive group Geely are part of a constellation project aimed at supporting the future operation of autonomous cars. The project is being carried out by Geespace, the company’s space subsidiary, and marks a significant milestone for both China and the automotive industry as a whole.
A total of 11 satellites have been launched into low-Earth orbit as part of the constellation project, with a focus on supporting Geely’s future mobility solutions. These satellites will be utilized for communication, navigation, and remote sensing of vehicles manufactured by the group. The primary goal is to achieve highly precise vehicle location tracking, accurate down to the nearest centimeter, in order to facilitate the development of autonomous driving and enhance its reliability.
The initial models to benefit from this satellite technology are those under Geely’s new Zeekr high-end electric vehicle brand. Geely, which also owns brands such as Lotus, Smart, and Volvo, plans to expand the constellation to a total of 72 satellites by 2025 to meet the demands posed by its vehicle lineup. A subsequent phase is already in the works to further extend the network to 168 satellites.
This satellite project bears similarities to the Starlink low-orbit constellation designed for universal internet access. Both projects highlight the growing intersection between automotive technology and space-based systems. – AFP Relaxnews
