The high-definition images captured by satellites and satellite remote sensing data can all be calculated and analyzed directly in space, and only the results are transmitted back... In orbit hundreds of kilometers away from the Earth's surface, silent space calculations quietly take place. It is reported that domestic and foreign enterprises and research institutions are accelerating the layout of "space computing". Usually, satellites need to first transmit data back to the ground, and then the ground data processing center analyzes it. What's different about space computing? Space computing refers to the deployment of computing resources on space platforms, and the processing, analysis, and intelligent decision-making of data through space infrastructure such as satellites. ”Hao Xuetao, Vice President of Zhongke Xingtu and General Manager of Commercial Aerospace Strategy Department, told reporters that compared with conventional ground computing, space computing reduces ground dependence, lowers information latency, and enhances global information acquisition and processing capabilities. For example, high-definition images captured by satellites can be directly analyzed in space and only the results can be transmitted back. Why does computing power need to go to heaven? Industry analysis suggests that this is driven by both the intrinsic driving force of technological evolution and strategic considerations for overall development. On the one hand, the traditional "sky sensing and earth computing" model is limited by factors such as ground station resources and bandwidth, with less than one tenth of the effective satellite data being transmitted back to the ground, and there are problems such as poor data timeliness. On the other hand, as the core carrier for carrying key tasks such as remote sensing observation, communication, and disaster warning, satellites are facing a transition trend from one-way "data collection" to "edge intelligence", and then to "integrated space ground" intelligent computing power operation, which has given rise to the scene of "space computing". In addition, space computing power has become a strategic solution for many countries to solve the challenges of ground computing power energy and heat dissipation. With the networked and intelligent development of space-based information systems, space computing has become a strategic high ground for global technological competition. ”Hao Xuetao said that from the perspective of demand and efficiency, space computing applications cover multiple fields such as communication, remote sensing, navigation, etc., and are a key support for the future digitalization and intelligence process of society. In addition, it has significant advantages in global fast connectivity, instant services, and intelligent decision-making, which can provide strong guarantees for smart cities, national defense security, meteorological environment monitoring, and more. Guosheng Securities analyst Song Jiaji and others believe that the surge in computing power is due to the limit of electricity supply. Due to the unique vacuum environment and lighting conditions in space, space computing power has characteristics such as real-time response, distributed collaboration, and high computational efficiency. At present, China has incorporated the development of aerospace information industry, the promotion of satellite Internet and the construction of integrated space and sky information network into many national strategies such as digital China. Enterprises and research institutions are seizing opportunities. In May of this year, the "Three Body Computing Constellation" led by Zhijiang Laboratory was successfully launched into orbit, marking the first launch of the "Star Computing" program of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. The 12 computing satellites that were put into orbit this time are all equipped with onboard intelligent computing systems and inter satellite communication systems, which can realize the interconnection of satellites in the entire orbit, have space in orbit computing capabilities, and will build an integrated network of heaven and earth. In July, Zhongke Xingtu and Zhongke Shuguang signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop high-end space computing chips and modules to support the service of "day to day calculation" and reduce the delay caused by satellite data transmission to ground computing. Looking internationally, American technology company Starcloud has proposed plans to build the first gigawatt level data center in space; Nvidia, Amazon, Microsoft and other technology giants have accelerated their deployment in the fields of low orbit satellite Internet and chips. Guosheng Securities analyzed that based on current technological breakthroughs and industrial practices, space computing power has gradually entered the stage of engineering implementation from concept verification. However, compared to conventional ground computing, space computing still needs further breakthroughs in technology and commercialization. Li Jun, President of Zhongke Shuguang, stated that according to calculations, deploying the same computing power as in ground scenarios to space would significantly increase costs. The existing CPU and other devices are affected by cosmic rays in space, resulting in reduced reliability. Therefore, related technologies such as energy consumption and algorithms need to be redesigned according to the requirements of space. Due to limitations in satellite size, weight, and energy supply, the computing power that can be deployed in orbit is still limited. Further breakthroughs are needed in achieving high-speed, low latency, and secure transmission between satellite links and sky ground links. ”Hao Xuetao stated that space computing is a promising future industry that will develop alongside significant breakthroughs in China's commercial reusable rockets and the development of low-cost, mass production satellite manufacturing capabilities. In the future, it is necessary to gather multiple forces in policy guidance, core technology innovation, and standard setting, promote deep collaboration between upstream and downstream enterprises, and continuously expand the boundaries of space applications. (New Society)