Earlier this month, a Chinese company successfully launched a satellite called WonderJourney-1A (WJ-1A) from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Inner Mongolia. What sets this satellite apart is its incorporation of an AI system. The name WonderJourney derives from the ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi, who originally introduced the concept of the “Universe”.
The Chinese satellite is embedded with a brain, a powerful AI known as the String Edge AI Platform. With its AI-powered smart operating system, the String enables real-time observation and processing without sending data back to the ground.
Using AI in satellites can enhance the satellite’s autonomy, adaptability to changing conditions, and ability to process and analyze data in real-time, allowing for more accurate observations and helping with emergency responses.
Why does it matter?
This innovation opens up new possibilities for space exploration, communication, scientific research, and practical applications such as smart car and drone connectivity, improved weather forecasting, and natural disaster warning and monitoring. Having an “AI assistant” in space will allow the system to continuously learn without sending massive amounts of data back to Earth.