GeeSAT-1 (satellites for navigation of unmanned vehicles)

2023: Geely satellite-enabled cars coming out

In February 2023, Geely unveiled a new line of Galaxy electric-powered vehicles. One of the main features of the machines is the use of the Chinese manufacturer's own satellite technologies. Read more here.

2022: Putting 9 satellites into orbit for navigation of unmanned vehicles

The Chinese company Geely in early June 2022 carried out its first successful launch, sending nine satellites into low Earth orbit, creating a satellite network to provide more accurate navigation for autonomous vehicles.

Designed and built in-house, the GeeSAT-1 satellites were launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in the southwestern province of Sichuan. Geely said 63 more satellites will be put into orbit by 2025, with plans to eventually build a network of 240 satellites.

Chinese automaker Geely puts 9 satellites into orbit to navigate unmanned vehicles

After the launch, Geely becomes the second major automaker to have its own space sector. SpaceX, owned by Tesla chief Elon Musk, has more than 2,000 satellites in orbit for its Starlink network, which offers commercial internet services. Starlink plans to have a first-generation network of 4,408 satellites.

While SpaceX uses its own rockets to launch its satellites, Geely used a Long March 2C rocket designed and operated by a Chinese state-owned company to launch nine satellites. In addition to providing high-precision positioning support for self-driving cars, Geely said its network would perform other commercial functions, such as providing communications services at the annual Asian Games held in September.

The satellites have a lifespan of five years and will be destroyed in Earth's atmosphere without leaving space debris, the company added. China's satellite networks are dominated by the military, but in 2014 the government allowed private investment in the country's space industry. Since then, commercial companies, some backed by local administrations, have flocked to the sector, with most focusing on building satellites and the rest trying to build small launch vehicles, including reusable ones.

In its latest five-year plan for 2021-2025, Beijing called for an integrated network of satellites for communication, remote sensing and navigation. More than 400 satellites, including commercial models, have already been deployed in space, according to state media.^[1]

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