# Three-Body Computing Constellation

**Type:** Alleged Chinese military orbital computing program  
**Status:** Unconfirmed (reported by US Space Force leadership, requires Chinese primary source verification)  
**Domain:** Space Development (Military ODC)  
**Operational Status:** Unknown  

## Overview

The Three-Body Computing Constellation is a reported Chinese military program for processing data directly in orbit using artificial intelligence rather than relying solely on ground infrastructure. The program was named in a March 2026 SpaceNews opinion piece by former Space Force General Nina Armagno and Kim Crider, who described it as embedding computational intelligence at the source — in space itself.

## Program Details

**Verification Status:** The program name and details come from US military sources (former Space Force leadership) writing in an opinion context, not from confirmed Chinese aerospace publications or official announcements. The name likely references Liu Cixin's science fiction novel *The Three-Body Problem*, suggesting either:
- A real Chinese military program code name
- A conceptual designation applied by US defense analysts to China's broader in-orbit computing strategy
- A strategic framing by US military to characterize Chinese capabilities

**Capabilities (as described):**
- In-orbit data processing using AI
- Reduced dependence on ground infrastructure
- Computational intelligence embedded in space assets

## Strategic Context

If confirmed, Three-Body Computing would represent:
- China's military orbital data center equivalent to US Golden Dome/PWSA programs
- Gate 2B defense demand formation for orbital computing from the adversary side
- Peer competitor pressure on US ODC investment
- Parallel military ODC development creating geopolitical pressure for US capabilities

## Verification Needed

This entity requires primary source verification from Chinese aerospace publications, official Chinese military announcements, or independent technical intelligence before treating as a confirmed program. Current status is "reported by US military sources" rather than "confirmed Chinese program."

## Timeline

- **2026-03-31** — First named reference in US defense policy discourse by former Space Force General Nina Armagno and Kim Crider in SpaceNews opinion piece

## Sources

- Armagno, Nina and Kim Crider. "Agentic AI: the future of space warfare." SpaceNews, March 31, 2026.