Geely Launches The First Nine Low-Orbit Satellites For Self-Driving Cars

On Wednesday, China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group successfully launched nine satellites into low earth orbit as it builds out a satellite network to provide more accurate navigation for autonomous vehicles.

GeeSAT-1 satellites were launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan's southwestern province of Xichang. Geely expects another 63 to be in orbit by 2025 and eventually plans to have a 240-ship constellation.

For the record, Geely becomes the second major automaker to have an allied space business with the launch. Elon Musk's SpaceX, which is owned by Tesla Inc (TSLA.O), has more than 2,000 satellites in orbit for its Starlink network, which provides commercial internet services. Starlink intends to launch a network of 4,408 satellites in the first generation.

While SpaceX launches its satellites using its own rockets, Geely launched the nine using a Long March 2C rocket developed and operated by a Chinese state-owned entity.

Geely said its network will serve other commercial functions, such as providing communication services at the Asian Games in September, in addition to providing high-precision positioning support to self-driving cars.

The satellites have a five-year operational lifespan and will disintegrate in the earth's atmosphere, according to the company.

Although the military dominates China's satellite networks, the government began to allow private investment in the country's space industry in 2014. Since then, commercial firms, some of which are backed by local governments, have rushed into the sector, with the majority focusing on satellite manufacturing and the remainder attempting to build small launch vehicles such as reusable rockets.

Beijing has called for an integrated network of satellites for communications, remote sensing, and navigation in its latest five-year plan for 2021-2025. According to state media, China currently has more than 400 satellites in orbit, including commercially owned satellites.