BEIJING, Jan 29 (ABC): China plans to build space-based artificial intelligence data centres over the next five years, state media reported on Thursday, as the country steps up efforts to expand its digital and space capabilities.
China’s main space contractor, China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), said it aims to construct “gigawatt-class space digital-intelligence infrastructure,” according to a five-year development plan cited by China Central Television (CCTV).
Processing data in orbit
According to the report, the planned space-based data centres will integrate cloud, edge and device-level computing systems. This approach will allow data generated on Earth to be processed directly in space.
The system will combine computing power, storage capacity and transmission bandwidth. As a result, China aims to reduce pressure on land-based energy systems while supporting the rapid growth of AI technologies.
Comparison with SpaceX plans
Meanwhile, U.S. company SpaceX has also announced plans to develop orbital AI data centres. Its founder, Elon Musk, said the company plans to launch solar-powered AI data centre satellites within the next two to three years.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos last week, Musk said space offers a cost-effective solution for AI due to abundant solar energy. He added that solar generation in orbit can produce significantly more power than ground-based systems.
SpaceX expects to use funds from its planned initial public offering to support the development of orbital AI infrastructure.
China’s long-term space strategy
China also plans to shift energy-intensive AI processing into orbit by developing large solar-powered hubs. According to a December CASC policy document, the country aims to build an industrial-scale “Space Cloud” by 2030.
The document identifies the integration of space-based solar power with AI computing as a core element of China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan. The strategy aligns with broader goals to strengthen the country’s digital economy and space industry.
Beyond data centres
In addition, CASC said it plans to begin suborbital space tourism operations within the next five years. Over time, the programme will expand into orbital space tourism, CCTV reported.
China and the United States continue to compete as both countries seek to turn space exploration into a commercially viable industry. Beyond economic potential, space is also viewed as a domain with strategic and security importance.
CASC has said it aims to transform China into a world-leading space power by 2045.
Launch capacity and future ambitions
Although China has made rapid progress in launch capacity, it continues to work on reusable rocket technology. Reusability is critical to reducing launch costs and expanding access to space.
China carried out a record 93 space launches last year, according to official data. The growth was supported by the country’s expanding commercial spaceflight sector.
Earlier this week, China inaugurated its first School of Interstellar Navigation at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The institute aims to train future experts in deep space navigation and propulsion.
According to Xinhua, the next decade will be a key period for technological breakthroughs that could reshape deep space exploration.