GalaxySpace launches NETDA-built tech verification satellite

A technology verification satellite produced at GalaxySpace's smart factory in the Nantong Economic and Technological Development Area was launched on Sept 20.

Workers handle a satellite at GalaxySpace's smart factory in NETDA. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_78ba52d6e1ed]

The satellite, named Pengcheng Nanke-1, integrates communication, sensing, AI and computing. It is the first satellite in China to carry a 5G non-terrestrial network base station, a core network, onboard AI computing, satellite-to-ground laser communication and microwave communication.

Ren Jiadong, deputy director of GalaxySpace's satellite general technology department, said the satellite is capable of hosting a 5G core network in space. Its computing module can process remote-sensing images, extract useful information and transmit it into the network. Ren also mentioned that users on the ground can then view real-time analysis results through Ka-band terminals.

As of Sept 20, GalaxySpace has launched more than 50 satellites, half of which were built at its factory in NETDA. Ren said the company will continue to advance low-cost, high-performance satellite manufacturing to provide key support for building intelligent space infrastructure.