Automaker Geely said it has launched eleven satellites into low Earth orbit, expanding its ability to provide precise navigation for autonomous vehicles.
The Geely-02 satellite constellation took off on board a Long March-2C carrier rocket.
The Chinese company, known for its bold steps in the automobile industry, explained that it launched satellites from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan Province, southwest of the country.
Geely stated that it intends to build a constellation of 240 satellites and that it hopes to launch 72 satellites into low Earth orbit by 2025.
This is the company's second satellite launch; the first batch was launched in June 2022 to completely change the way we interact and travel across different facets of our digital existence.
In addition to supporting high-precision positioning for self-driving cars, the satellite network also serves other commercial functions, such as connectivity features for consumer electronics.
The company said the satellites contain artificial intelligence-powered remote sensing functions and provide clear, high-resolution remote sensing imaging from a distance of between one and five meters, promising to redefine accuracy in autonomous driving and beyond.
The Chinese military dominates satellite networks, although the government began allowing private investment in the country's space industry in 2014.
This is a significant step for China's expanding private space industry as well as for Geely, as the nation has seen a surge in commercial space programs since 2014.
Since then, commercial businesses have flocked into the field, most concentrating on producing satellites, while the remainder are attempting to construct modest launch vehicles, such as reusable rockets.
Beijing demanded the creation of an integrated network of satellites for navigation, remote sensing, and communications in its most recent five-year plan.
China now has over 400 satellites in orbit, including satellites that are owned by businesses.
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