China Launches 2028 Space Computing Hub in Beijing E-Town as US Tech Race Moves Off-Planet
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Jun 5
China Launches 2028 Space Computing Hub in Beijing E-Town as US Tech Race Moves Off-Planet
2 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Jun 5
Summary
Beijing's E-Town has launched a new space computing institute, a facility set up in late May that aims to develop and launch a pilot satellite by the end of 2028.
The hub will focus on space-computing chips, inter-satellite laser communication, space energy and space safety standards, targeting bottlenecks that limit computing power on Earth.
A consortium led by the National Information Technology Application Innovation Park backed the institute; that park was created in 2019 by China's industry ministry and the Beijing municipal government.
The launch highlights Beijing's push to use off-planet infrastructure to strengthen its AI and robotics ecosystem and compete more directly with the US in advanced technology.
China bets on space to solve AI's energy needs. Can its tech overcome the harsh physics of orbit before rivals solve it on Earth?
As China builds a computing network in orbit, how will this reshape the global balance of digital power and data control?
Space-Based AI Data Centers: China’s $8.4B Bet and the Coming Global Computing Showdown
Overview
China is making a major push into space computing with the recent establishment of the Beijing Institute of Space Intelligent Computing in E-Town, Beijing. This new institute is set to become a central hub for developing key technologies such as advanced satellite chips, inter-satellite laser communication, and efficient heat dissipation. Its research focuses on building integrated space-ground networks and setting strong security standards. By offering a full innovation lifecycle from development to commercialization, the institute aims to drive next-generation space capabilities and position Beijing as a leader in the high-tech space computing frontier.