The future is here for Zhejiang Geely Holding Group after it successfully launched nine of its self-designed satellites into space. These low Earth orbit satellites aim to provide a more accurate navigation system for the company’s future cars, enhancing their functionality and efficiency in tackling various roads.
Geely successfully launched nine satellites into space
Manufactured by Geely subsidiary Geespace, the launched GeeSAT-1 satellites took off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan, China. The company aims to establish a 72-satellite network by 2025 for China in particular and the Asia-Pacific Region in general. It will be followed by a plan of going global which includes the launching of a constellation of 240 satellites.
It was in 2021 when Geely started the production of its high-precision navigation system through a facility based in Taizhou, which serves as the first AIT (Assembly, Integration, and Testing) center for commercial satellites in China. Geely claims that the production facility can manufacture 500 satellites annually.
A huge milestone for the automaker
Not only does the satellite network provide centimeter-accurate navigation, but it is capable of providing in-car functions such as satellite internet, autonomous driving solutions, and cloud computing. It will also be used for other commercial operations such as providing communication services at the upcoming Asian Games in September 2022.
Geely is now the second major automaker to create a satellite network following American electric vehicle giant Tesla. While Tesla benefits from Elon Musk’s SpaceX business for launching satellites, the Chinese marque used a Long March 2C rocket developed by a Chinese state-owned entity to send off its nine satellites.
Geely's future cars will benefit from its satellite network
Without a doubt, Geely’s push in launching satellites for its cars will expand its business portfolio in the long run. It is one of the many efforts Geely has rolled out to achieve its ambitious goal of becoming the top Chinese automaker by 2025. In terms of sales last year, the company showed an impressive run as it finished second with 2,026,729 units sold.
Catch the latest car innovation news at Philkotse.com.