China has unveiled an ambitious project for a large-scale orbital computing network called Space String, which aims to eventually unite more than 1,080 satellites. The new system is designed to fundamentally transform the approach to space computing by combining spacecraft into a single giant data center linked by laser communication channels.

Architecture and Project Participants

The project was officially presented on September 25. It is being developed by two technology companies, Enceladus and Eastlink, which previously collaborated on the Three-Body computing constellation. In the new project, roles are clearly divided: Eastlink is responsible for the overall architecture and operation of the space system, while Enceladus focuses on advanced artificial intelligence technologies and international development.

Two-Tier System and Laser Communication

The main idea of Space String is distributed data processing. The constellation will be divided into two technological tiers. The first tier will include over 720 satellites designed for data collection, Earth observation, and running pre-trained AI models. The second tier will integrate more than 360 specialized computing spacecraft in sun-synchronous orbits dedicated to AI training. All network elements will be connected via high-speed laser links.

Efficiency of Space Computing

Thanks to this innovative architecture, satellites will be able to redistribute computing loads dynamically. If one device encounters a complex task, it can instantly transfer part of the computations to free nodes within the constellation. This allows for data processing directly in orbit, transmitting only ready analytical results back to Earth rather than massive amounts of raw information.

Implementation Stages and Prospects

The project will be implemented in stages. Engineers will build the experimental G1 spacecraft, then transition to the standard G2 platform, and complete the line with the high-performance G3 satellite. The launch of the first test satellite G1 is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2027, after which the deployment of the entire multi-thousand orbital infrastructure will begin.