Space computing power has become a new focus in technological competition. However, it is not just a concept. Behind it are breakthroughs in hard-core technology and the implementation of business models.
Unique Challenges of Space 'Brains'
Computing equipment in space faces the harshest environment. Above the Earth's orbit, it is filled with high-energy particle radiation. Once ordinary commercial chips enter space, their internal circuits are extremely susceptible to radiation breakdown or interference, which can lead to calculation errors and even permanent damage. Therefore, the core that supports space computing power must be specially designed chips.
This type of chip is designed for specific purposes and must have strong resistance to radiation. At the same time, it must also take into account both computing performance and reliability. They are responsible for processing raw data from satellite sensors, or running artificial intelligence algorithms. They are the real "nerve center" of space servers. Without such a hardware foundation, any idea of on-orbit computing would be just a fantasy that does not exist.
Technical path for dedicated chips
There are different technical routes to achieve radiation resistance. Some use special semiconductor materials and processes to physically strengthen the chip's "physique". Some rely on innovative circuit design architecture to enable the chip to have self-detection and error correction capabilities. In recent years, AI acceleration capabilities have also been integrated into this type of chip.
This shows that satellites can perform real-time image analysis in orbit and identify targets without having to transmit a huge amount of data back to the ground, which greatly saves scarce satellite-ground communication bandwidth. Relevant technologies are mainly controlled by professional military electronics or aerospace chip companies, forming a relatively high threshold for entry into the industry.
Deployment form of on-orbit computing power
There is a certain limit to the computing power of a single satellite, and the trend in the future is to build a "computing power constellation". That is to say, through hundreds or thousands of satellites carrying computing units, a distributed space computing network is formed in the low-Earth regional orbit. This network can be regarded as a "data center cluster" floating in space.
Imagine its operating model as potentially similar to cloud computing on the ground. Specialized operators are responsible for maintaining the normal operation of this constellation. They purchase computing units from satellite manufacturers or lease computing units, and then provide on-orbit data processing services to downstream users. Such a situation has led to the birth of a space service industry full of novel feelings.
Potential business model exploration
What kind of subject can hold and operate these servers in the sky? There is one possibility, that is, traditional satellite communication operators rely on their existing measurement and control networks and customer base to expand into the field of computing services; there is another possibility, that is, emerging technology companies, specifically to build and operate such constellations. Their business model covers computing power leasing, data product sales, etc.
For example, earth observation companies directly purchase image products that have been pre-processed on-orbit and have higher information density, not raw data. In this way, the cost of data downloading and ground processing can be significantly reduced, and the timeliness of information acquisition can be shortened from days to hours or even minutes.
Implementation of data value
The results produced by on-orbit computing power will ultimately create value on the ground. A typical application is disaster emergency response. When an earthquake occurs, the satellite constellation can quickly image the disaster area, assess the disaster directly in space, and send key conclusions to relevant rescue departments as soon as possible. When a flood occurs, the satellite constellation can quickly carry out imaging work on the disaster area, complete disaster assessment directly in space, and deliver key conclusions to the rescue department as soon as possible.
Within the commercial area, it can identify and track ships in real time for global shipping. For the financial industry, it can realize monitoring and analysis operations of bulk commodities (such as crude oil storage). In essence, it transforms satellites from a pure "data collector" into a new type of "information generator", and the boundary scope of its services has been greatly expanded.
Support link of the whole industrial chain
The tradition lies in the launch link and the manufacturing link, which are indispensable to achieve all this. No matter how advanced the computing unit carried by the satellite is, it will inevitably need a reliable satellite platform as a carrier, and it must rely on rockets to send it into a predetermined orbit. This covers a series of complex projects such as overall satellite design, precision manufacturing, and payload integration.
It is particularly critical that the launch capability has high reliability, low cost and fast response. The integrated design of satellites and arrows has made progress, reusable rocket technology has also improved, and the launch cost per kilogram of payload is declining, which has cleared the final physical obstacle to the deployment of large-scale computing constellations.
Do you think that in the emerging field of space computing power, is the breakthrough of core chips more critical, or is the operational capability of large-scale constellations more decisive? Welcome to share your views in the comment area, and please like it to support more in-depth analysis.
