China’s private satellite maker Galaxy Space has just completed two successful launch missions that prove it can mass‑produce high‑performance synthetic‑aperture‑radar (SAR) satellites and combine them with on‑board artificial‑intelligence processing. The new Pengcheng Nankai‑1 satellite can analyse remote‑sensing data in space, spotting a forest fire, estimating its size and sending the alert to ground stations without first downloading raw images. This on‑orbit intelligence cuts data‑transfer time and bandwidth, making emergency response faster. The satellite will also serve as a test‑bed for next‑generation 6G technology, helping China move toward a seamless space‑air‑ground communications network. Galaxy Space, which now boasts more than 50 self‑developed satellites – including over 10 SAR platforms – has launched a total payload of more than 23 tonnes. CEO Ren Jiadong says the company is driving a new era of the space economy, where low‑cost, high‑capability satellites support everything from broadband internet to direct‑to‑cell links and advanced navigation. With rapid‑iteration production lines, Galaxy Space aims to keep scaling up affordable, intelligent satellites that power China’s growing aerospace ambitions.
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