Micro AI satellite designed in Chengdu sent into space

TFSTAR, an AI satellite partly designed and developed by the Satellite Industry Technology Research Center of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, is sent into a Sun-synchronous orbit 547 kilometers above the Earth. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Three micro satellites jointly designed by the Satellite Industry Technology Research Center of the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC) and ADA-Space, a private firm in Chengdu specializing in satellite design and data services, were recently sent into a Sun-synchronous orbit 547 kilometers above the earth.

TFSTAR, one of the three satellites, is equipped with a second-generation artificial intelligence platform partly designed and developed by the Satellite Industry Technology Research Center of UESTC.

Zhao Hongjie, the project leader, said the satellite is one of the world's "smartest" commercial satellites. Its image processing capacity is more than 1,000 times that of other satellites of the same weight.

"Compared with traditional satellites, the AI satellite has more powerful automatic data analysis capabilities, enabling it to analyze photos and data received in space and pass them to the ground," he said.

Taking advantage of the satellite TFSTAR, the Satellite Industry Technology Research Center of UESTC will cooperate with Douyu.com, a live-broadcasting platform, to spread aerospace science and technology knowledge through live broadcasts, said Zhao.

Another satellite, TY3-01, will serve in the construction of transportation infrastructure in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, as well as agriculture, security, tourism and environmental protection.

The three satellites will fly in formation so as to collaborate on specific tasks, Zhao added.

Since September this year, the Satellite Industry Technology Research Center of UESTC has successfully participated in three satellite launch missions.

"With the rapid growing demand for commercial aerospace products and services globally, we are making fast progress," said Zhao, adding that both universities and private enterprises will become an important force in the aerospace industry.