Source: Cnevpost
Chinese automaker Geely Holding Group has recently announced that they have launched 11 satellites into low-Earth orbit, marking the company’s second launch, to expand the capability of providing more accurate positioning services for autonomous vehicles.
According to Geely’s announcement sent to Reuters, the satellites were launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan, China.
Geely plans to have 72 satellites in orbit by 2025 and eventually aims to have a system of up to 240 satellites. The first launch was conducted by the conglomerate in June 2022.
In addition to providing precise positioning support for self-driving cars, Geely also stated that their network will serve other commercial functions such as connecting with the consumer electronics sector. Moreover, the satellites have remote sensing capabilities through artificial intelligence, providing high-resolution images ranging from 1 to 5 meters.
China’s satellite network is still dominated by the military, but the government began allowing private investment in the country’s space industry in 2014. Since then, commercial companies, some supported by local governments, have invested a significant amount of money in the sector, with the majority focusing on satellite production while the rest strive to build launch vehicles such as reusable spacecraft.
In the latest five-year plan for the 2021-2025 period, Beijing called for the creation of an integrated network of satellites for communication, remote sensing, and positioning purposes. So far, China has deployed over 400 satellites in space, including commercial-owned satellites.
In the Vietnamese market, on December 16, 2023, the Lynk & Co brand officially introduced 4 car models including Lynk & Co 01, 03+, 05, and 09.
In addition, two Geely models, Geometry G6 and M6, have also been registered for design protection. This move suggests that Geely is likely to introduce these 2 models soon in the Vietnamese market.
Reference: Nikkei Asia
