May 14. China launched the initial 12 satellites of its plan to create computing constellation in space. Every satellite is equipped with smart computing apparatus and laser-quick intersatellite communication connections. It will lead to in-orbit data processing. On a full-fledged roll out, the constellation will provide 1000 peta operations per second (POPS). It will match the earth’s strongest supercomputers.
Of course, it is unique computing power. What makes it special is where it is occurring. The conventional satellites transmit the information to earth for analysis. Here the satellites will take decisions on raw data in space. It is an AI-powered 8 billion parameter system with speed of 100 Gbps laser links.
It has reduced ground-based infrastructure dependence. It curtails time to process and respond to enormous data. It will prove to be a game-changer. Real time data crunching in space could outpace earth’s top supercomputers.
This network will be further expanded to 2800 satellites. It is a big deal for the future of computing.
There are, of course, security implications of such a satellite-based system. Ground-based data centers are power hungry. The orbital data centers can be powered by solar energy and cooled by naturally radiating heat into the vacuum of space. No need for massive air-conditioning (avoiding emissions).
It will cut carbon emissions on earth. It will generate cloud computing in space.
India should seriously look into all this, especially at ISRO.
There are strategic and ethical issues. Who controls information processed in space? Will space be turned into a war theatre for missiles? Earth orbit will become a digital nervous system. The future of computers could relocate to orbits.
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