China launches two AI-powered remote sensing satellites from sea

China successfully launched two AI-powered remote sensing satellites into orbit on Wednesday, according to a report by Xinhua news agency. The satellites were carried by a Smart Dragon-3 rocket, which lifted off from a sea platform. This mission marked the 12th flight of the Smart Dragon-3 rocket and its fourth launch this year.

The satellites were developed by Star.ai Spatio-temporal Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd. They are designed to provide intelligent remote sensing services to Uzbekistan and Indonesia. According to the company, these AI-powered satellites can process computing tasks directly in space, enabling disaster early warning and decision-making within minutes, compared to the hours typically required by conventional satellites.

One of the satellites will monitor Uzbekistan's cotton industry throughout its production cycle, while the other will help safeguard Indonesia's agricultural production by tracking crop growth and assessing disaster risks, as reported by the news agency.

The launch underscores China's growing capabilities in space-based AI technology and its commitment to international cooperation in space applications. The Smart Dragon-3 rocket is a solid-fueled launch vehicle developed by China, known for its flexibility in sea launches.

According to Mehr News Agency, which cited Xinhua, the successful deployment of these satellites marks another step forward in China's expanding space program and its efforts to offer commercial satellite services to other countries.