Geely Holding Group, the Chinese multinational automotive company, launched its second dispatch of 11 low-earth orbit satellites as it extends its capacity to provide support and guidance for autonomous vehicles.
The satellites got underway from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern part of Sichuan.
The satellite company said it expects 72 to be in orbit by next year and plans on having a constellation of 240.
Geely said it will provide high-positioning support to self-driving cars and its network will also ensure connectivity to the consumer’s electronic sector.
The satellites have AI remote sensing functions, providing 1-5 meter (3.2-16.4 ft) clear high-resolution remote sensing imaging, the company said.
The country began to allow the private sectors into its satellite space in 2014 for investment, which was wholly dominated by its military. Ever since, commercial companies have gone into the sector with many of them on satellite making and the rest focusing on building small launch vehicles including reusable rockets.
In its 2021-2025 plan, the country calls for the incorporation of satellite networks for communication, remote sensing and navigation. According to state media, the country has over 400 satellites deployed in space, including commercially owned ones.
