Car-to-X communication: Geely launches its own satellites

Car manufacturer Geely is working on its own satellite network for vehicle communication. In early June, its subsidiary Geespace launched the first missiles.

The Chinese car manufacturer Geely has launched its first satellites into space with its subsidiary Geespace. In the first phase, by 2025, Geely wants to put 72 satellites into orbit. In the second stage, another 168 satellites are to be launched – a total of 240 missiles will then be in space.

Car manufacturer Geely has launched its first nine satellites through its subsidiary Geespcae. When fully deployed, the network is expected to have 240 satellites in space.
(Image: Geespace )

With the “GeeSAT-1” low-orbit satellites, Geely wants to implement “centimetre-accurate, precise positioning and connectivity support for its vehicle models”. Among other things, vehicles will be able to communicate with other vehicles or the infrastructure. However, according to Geely, initial applications include logistics projects, for example real-time management and control of transports.

Geespace to contribute to environmental protection

The car manufacturer also wants to contribute to environmental protection by using the satellites to identify waste fields in the sea that need to be cleaned. Geespace sees further opportunities in infrastructure services, smart mobility applications, consumer electronics and smart cities, among others. “Geely Future Mobility Constellation” is the name for the venture.
According to Geespace board member and chief scientist Tony Wang, the project positions the company for upcoming requirements in high-precision positioning, space-based communications and remote sensing services. Political support and market demand are accelerating the growth of the commercial aerospace sector, according to Wang.

Five-year lifespan – no space junk

The GeeSAT-1 satellites now launched are China’s first modular mass satellites, according to Geely. Geespace estimates their service life at five years. After that, the missiles would enter the Earth’s atmosphere and disintegrate without leaving behind any space debris. With the network, the company aims to cover the Chinese market and the Asia-Pacific region; after 2026, Geespace plans to have global coverage.

About the company Geespace

Geespace is a wholly owned subsidiary of Geely Technology Group and China’s first private developer, operator and mass producer of commercial low-orbit satellites. The company operates ground stations in Qingdao, Taizhou, Korla, Chengdu and Harbin.

500 satellites per year

Commercial satellites have been built at the production and test centre since the beginning of September 2021. The annual capacity is 500 units. According to Geely, the GeeSAT-1 is the first of further satellite models from Geespace. Selling the satellites to third parties is also a possibility, according to Geely.