Geely's ambitious plan to create a satellite network for autonomous vehicles

Geely, one of China's leading automakers, has recently launched 11 low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, its second batch, as part of its plan to create a satellite network that can provide more accurate navigation for autonomous vehicles. The satellites were launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan on February 2, 2024.

Geely's satellite network, named Geespace, is expected to have 72 satellites in orbit by 2025 and eventually reach a constellation of 240   . The first batch of nine satellites was launched in June 2022 . Geely has invested 4.12 billion yuan ($636 million) in the project, which is located in Qingdao, Shandong Province .

The satellites have AI remote sensing functions, providing 1-5 meter (3.2-16.4 ft) clear high-resolution remote sensing imaging, according to Geely  . 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  .

Geely's satellite network is part of China's broader push to develop its space industry and integrate it with other sectors such as communications, remote sensing and navigation. China has more than 400 satellites deployed in space, including commercially owned satellites, according to state media  . In its latest five-year plan for 2021-2025, Beijing has called for an integrated network of satellites for these purposes  .

Geely is not the only automaker that is exploring the use of satellites for autonomous vehicles. Tesla, for example, has applied for permission from the US Federal Communications Commission to connect its electric vehicles to Starlink, a satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, another company founded by Elon Musk [7]. Starlink aims to provide global broadband internet access using thousands of LEO satellites.

Satellites can offer advantages over terrestrial networks for autonomous vehicles, such as wider coverage, lower latency and higher reliability. However, they also face challenges such as high costs, regulatory hurdles and potential interference or collisions with other satellites or space debris.

Geely's satellite network is an ambitious and innovative project that could give it a competitive edge in the emerging market of autonomous vehicles. However, it remains to be seen how well it can overcome the technical and operational difficulties and deliver on its promises.

Source:

- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/chinas-geely-launches-11-low-023157749.html