# Three-Body Computing Constellation

**Type:** Military orbital computing program (alleged)
**Country:** China
**Status:** Unverified (referenced by US military sources, not confirmed by Chinese primary sources)
**Domain:** Space-development, AI-alignment

## Overview

The Three-Body Computing Constellation is a reported Chinese military program for in-orbit artificial intelligence processing, referenced by former US Space Force General Nina Armagno and Kim Crider in a March 2026 SpaceNews article. The program allegedly processes data directly in orbit using artificial intelligence rather than relying solely on ground infrastructure.

## Program Details

**Capabilities (as described by US sources):**
- In-orbit data processing using artificial intelligence
- Computational intelligence embedded at the source (in space itself)
- Reduced dependence on ground infrastructure for data processing

**Name origin:** Likely references Liu Cixin's science fiction novel *The Three-Body Problem*, though it's unclear whether this is an official Chinese program designation or a label applied by US military analysts.

## Verification Status

**Source:** US Space Force leadership opinion piece, not confirmed intelligence documentation
**Primary source gap:** No verification from Chinese aerospace publications or official Chinese government sources as of March 2026
**Uncertainty:** May represent a strategic framing of China's broader in-orbit computing capabilities rather than a single named program with dedicated funding

## Strategic Significance

If confirmed, this would represent:
- The first documented foreign military program for in-orbit AI processing
- 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
- Geopolitical pressure mechanism driving US investment in orbital compute infrastructure

## Timeline

- **2026-03-31** — First public reference by former Space Force General Nina Armagno in SpaceNews article on agentic AI and space warfare

## Related Programs

- US Golden Dome (missile defense orbital compute)
- US Space Data Network / PWSA (military orbital battle management)
- Commercial ODC programs (dual-use architecture compatible with military applications)

## Sources

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

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*Note: This entity requires verification from Chinese primary sources before treating as a confirmed program. Current status is "reported by US military sources" rather than "confirmed Chinese program."*