# Star-Compute Program

**Type:** Orbital computing constellation program  
**Lead Organizations:** ADA Space + Zhejiang Lab (China)  
**Status:** Phase 1 operational (Three-Body Constellation), full program announced  
**Target Scale:** 2,800 satellites  
**Computing Target:** 1,000+ POPS (peta operations per second) at full constellation  
**Strategic Framework:** Belt and Road Initiative infrastructure

## Overview

The Star-Compute Program is China's national orbital computing initiative, structured as a collaboration between ADA Space and Zhejiang Lab. The program explicitly serves Belt and Road Initiative regions, positioning orbital computing as geopolitical infrastructure rather than purely commercial technology.

## Program Structure

**Phase 1: Three-Body Constellation**
- 12 satellites launched May 14, 2025 (Long March 2D from Jiuquan)
- 9 months operational testing (May 2025 - February 2026)
- Operates 8B parameter remote sensing AI models + 8B parameter astronomical models
- Described as "among the largest parameter AI models operating in orbit globally"

**Full Program Target**
- 2,800 satellites at full build-out
- 1,000+ POPS aggregate computing power
- Timeline: 2030s for full deployment (estimated)

## Strategic Context

Xinhua state media explicitly frames Star-Compute as serving "commercial and government clients across the Belt and Road Initiative regions." This BRI infrastructure positioning suggests the program serves dual commercial and geopolitical functions—providing compute services while creating technology dependency and orbital infrastructure lock-in for BRI partner nations.

The pattern mirrors China's 5G deployment strategy: technology demonstration (Three-Body) followed by state-backed scale deployment for BRI partners (full Star-Compute constellation).

## Technical Capabilities

Computerworld coverage describes Star-Compute as the "first space-based processing network," though this claim is contested by Western commercial entrants (Kepler, Axiom, Starcloud). The distinction appears to be scale and integration—Star-Compute represents a national program with explicit government backing, while Western efforts remain commercial demonstrations.

## Timeline

- **2025-05-14** — Three-Body Constellation Phase 1 launch (12 satellites, Long March 2D)
- **2026-02-13** — Full Star-Compute Program announced: 2,800-satellite target, 1,000+ POPS, explicit BRI infrastructure framing