[LINK] Assembling supercomputers in space

Thu May 22 10:01:11 AEST 2025

Meanwhile in the US -

Donald Trump’s “Golden Dome” proposal is a sweeping, multilayered missile
defense initiative aimed at protecting the United States from advanced
aerial threats—including ballistic, hypersonic, and cruise missiles, as
well as potential attacks launched from space. Announced in May 2025, the
Golden Dome is projected to cost $175 billion, with an initial $25 billion
requested through a new budget bill[1][2][7].

**Key Features and Scope**

- **Space-Based and Ground-Based Defense:** The Golden Dome would, for the
first time, place U.S. missile interceptors and sensors in orbit,
supplementing existing land- and sea-based systems. This approach is
designed to enable the interception of missiles at all stages of their
flight—from pre-launch to their final descent—anywhere in the world,
including those launched from space[1][5][7].
- **Inspiration and Scale:** While inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, which
protects small areas from short-range threats, the Golden Dome aims to
defend the entire U.S. (a vastly larger area) from a much broader range of
sophisticated threats, including hypersonic weapons and fractional orbital
bombardment systems (FOBS)[2][4][5].
- **Technology and Command:** The system will use next-generation
technologies, including thousands of satellites for detection and tracking,
and a centralized command structure integrating all components[2][5][6].
- **International Collaboration:** Canada has expressed interest in joining
the project, with discussions ongoing about participation and
cost-sharing[1][4][6].

**Management and Timeline**

- U.S. Space Force General Michael Guetlein has been appointed as the
primary program manager[1][4][7].
- Trump claims the system will be operational by the end of his term in
2029, though experts are skeptical, suggesting only limited capabilities
may be demonstrable by then[1][4][7].

**Funding and Controversy**

- The initial $25 billion is tied to a tax cut bill pending in Congress,
with total costs potentially reaching $542 billion over two decades for the
space-based components alone[2][6].
- The project has faced criticism for its ambitious timeline, uncertain
budget, and the potential to accelerate the militarization of space and a
global arms race, particularly with China and Russia[1][3][5].
- Prominent contractors, including SpaceX, are competing for involvement,
raising concerns about conflicts of interest and long-term government
oversight[4][8].

**Summary**

The Golden Dome represents the most ambitious U.S. missile defense proposal
to date, seeking to create a near-impenetrable shield using advanced space
and terrestrial technologies. If realized, it would mark a significant
escalation in space-based defense capabilities, but its feasibility, costs,
and broader geopolitical impact remain deeply contested[1][2][4][5][7].

Sources
[1] What is the Golden Dome defence system Trump announced?
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/21/what-is-the-golden-dome-defence-system-trump-announced
[2] Trump unveils plans for 'Golden Dome' missile defence system
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy33n484x0o
[3] Trump's 'Golden Dome' risks weaponization of space, China says
https://abcnews.go.com/International/trumps-golden-dome-risks-weaponization-space-china/story?id=122022810
[4] ‘Golden Dome:’ Trump confirms details of plan to build missile shield,
claims will be done by end of term | CNN Politics
https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/21/politics/trump-golden-dome-missile-intl-hnk
[5] What is the "Golden Dome for America"? Here's what to know about
Trump's missile defense plan.
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/golden-dome-for-america-trump-missile-defense-plan/
[6] Canada discusses joining US Golden Dome missile defence programme
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4ee9jmk17o
[7] Trump selects concept for $175 billion ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense
system
https://apnews.com/article/golden-dome-missile-defense-trump-space-e74d637feac06edcfde79214d8acf179
[8] Trump selects $175 billion Golden Dome defense shield design, appoints
leader
https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-make-golden-dome-announcement-tuesday-us-official-says-2025-05-20/
[9] Trump has unveiled his 'Golden Dome' plans. What is it, and how will it
work?
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/trump-has-unveiled-his-golden-dome-plans-what-is-it-and-how-will-it-work/5bl3441uw
[10] Trump unveils plans for $175B 'Golden Dome' missile defense shield
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-unveil-plans-us-missile-defense-shield-cost/story?id=121995258

Perplexity AI

Tony

On Thu, May 22, 2025 at 9:03 AM Antony Barry <antonybbarry at gmail.com> wrote:

> I'm astonished. But it is blindingly obvious when you think about it. The
> power and heat problems are solved. The mass you want to lift is not too
> much and redundancy is built in which should cope with radiation although
> not a Carrington scale event but that would bring down civilization anyway.
> A good name for it might be Skynet....
>
> But then I wondered whether this was a scam and asked Perplexity AI to run
> a fact check. It is real -
>
> The statement is accurate based on multiple independent reports:
>
> - **China has launched the first 12 satellites** of a planned
> 2,800-satellite orbital supercomputer network. These satellites are part of
> ADA Space’s “Star Compute” program and represent the first phase of what is
> called the “Three-Body Computing Constellation”[1][2][4][5][7][12].
>
> - **Development and Partners:** The satellites were developed by ADA Space
> in collaboration with Zhijiang Laboratory and Neijang High-Tech
> Zone[1][2][4][5][7][12].
>
> - **Onboard Processing:** Each satellite is equipped to process the data
> it collects independently, without relying on terrestrial ground stations.
> This is a key feature highlighted in ADA Space’s announcement and confirmed
> by multiple sources[1][4][5][7][12].
>
> - **AI Model and Compute Power:** Each satellite carries an onboard AI
> model with 8 billion parameters and is capable of 744 tera operations per
> second (TOPS). Collectively, the 12 satellites can manage up to 5 peta
> operations per second (POPS)[4][5][7][12].
>
> - **Network Goals:** The full constellation aims to reach 2,800
> satellites, with a targeted aggregate compute power of 1,000
> POPS[1][2][4][5][7][12].
>
> - **Additional Details:** The satellites use high-speed laser links (up to
> 100 Gbps) for inter-satellite communication and share a combined storage
> capacity of 30 terabytes. They also carry scientific instruments, such as
> X-ray polarization detectors, and can generate 3D digital twin data for
> various applications[4][5][7][12].
>
> **Conclusion:**
> All major factual elements in the statement are supported by credible news
> sources and official announcements. The claim that China has launched the
> first 12 satellites of a planned 2,800-satellite orbital supercomputer
> network, with each satellite featuring an 8-billion parameter AI model and
> a combined compute power of 5 POPS, is correct[1][4][5][7][12].
>
> Sources
> [1] China launches 12 satellites to build world's 1st space-based
> supercomputer
> https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/china-space-supercomputer-satellites-three-body-ada-ai-data-centres-125051901236_1.html
> [2] China is building a supercomputer in space, sends first satellites
> that will be part of it
> https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/china-is-building-a-supercomputer-in-space-sends-first-satellite-that-will-be-part-of-it-2726900-2025-05-19
> [3] China's Adaspace orbits first 12 AI-cloud satellites of 2,800-strong
> ...
> https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/chinas-adaspace-orbits-first-12-ai-cloud-satellites-of-2800-strong-constellation/
> [4] China begins assembling its supercomputer in space | The Verge
> https://www.theverge.com/news/669157/china-begins-assembling-its-supercomputer-in-space
> [5] China Launches World's First Space-Based AI Supercomputer
> https://tecspectrum.com/happenings/china-ai-supercomputer-in-space/
> [6] China Building World's First Supercomputer In Space Using AI-Powered
> Satellites
> https://www.ndtv.com/science/china-building-worlds-first-supercomputer-in-space-using-ai-powered-satellites-8454162
> [7] China to Deploy 2,800 AI-Driven Supercomputing Satellites in Orbit
> https://en.tempo.co/read/2009398/china-to-deploy-2800-ai-driven-supercomputing-satellites-in-orbit
> [8] China launches first 12 of 2,800 satellites for AI space computing
> constellation
> https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2025/05/19/748244/china-ai-satellites-supercomputer
> [9] China Begins Assembling AI Supercomputer in Space - Global CIO
> https://globalcio.com/news/15372/
> [10] China begins building space supercomputer - Mezha.Media
> https://mezha.media/en/news/kitayskiy-kosmichniy-superkomp-yuter-302040/
> [11] China Begins Building Its Supercomputer In Space - Orbital Today
> https://orbitaltoday.com/2025/05/20/china-begins-building-its-supercomputer-in-space/
> [12] China Has Begun Assembling Its Supercomputer in Space - УНН
> https://unn.ua/en/news/china-has-begun-assembling-its-supercomputer-in-space
> [13] China launches first 12 satellites for ambitious AI space ... -
> Caliber.Az
> https://caliber.az/en/post/china-launches-first-12-satellites-for-ambitious-ai-space-supercomputer
> [14] Mind-Blowing: China Just Launched a Supercomputer… in Space!
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vjDiR3OJzQ
> [15] China Launches Satellite Group to Boost Space Computing Power ...
> https://www.yicaiglobal.com/news/china-launches-space-computing-satellites-with-ai-into-orbit
> [16] Global-First Space Computing Constellation Launched into Orbit
> https://www.sc.gov.cn/10462/10758/10760/10765/2025/5/16/4947242d937644279d7a31011fc7bb1b.shtml
> [17] China Starts Building First Giant Supercomputer Network in Space
> https://www.newsweek.com/china-starts-building-first-giant-supercomputer-network-space-2073584
> [18] China launches satellites to build the world’s first supercomputer in
> orbit
> https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3310506/china-launches-satellites-start-building-worlds-first-supercomputer-orbit
> [19] China building giant AI supercomputer in space - RBC-Ukraine
> https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/china-building-giant-ai-supercomputer-in-1747652857.html
> [20] China Is Building An AI Supercomputer In Space - Lowyat.NET
> https://www.lowyat.net/2025/352163/china-is-building-an-ai-supercomputer-in-space/
> [21] China is planning to build a supercomputer in outer space | TechNave
> https://technave.com/gadget/China-is-planning-to-build-a-supercomputer-in-outer-space-42634.html
>
> Tony
>
> On Thu, May 22, 2025 at 12:33 AM Stephen Loosley <stephenloosley at zoho.com>
> wrote:
>
>>     News
>>
>> China begins assembling its supercomputer in space
>>
>> China’s ADA Space has launched the first of a planned 2,800-satellite
>> network of AI supercomputers.
>>
>>
>> by Wes Davis  May 19, 2025, 2:34 AM
>>
>> https://www.theverge.com/news/669157/china-begins-assembling-its-supercomputer-in-space
>>
>>
>> China has launched the first 12 satellites of a planned 2,800-strong
>> orbital supercomputer satellite network, reports Space News.
>>
>> The satellites, created by the company ADA Space, Zhijiang Laboratory,
>> and Neijang High-Tech Zone, will be able to process the data they collect
>> themselves, rather than relying on terrestrial stations to do it for them,
>> according to ADA Space’s announcement (machine-translated).
>>
>> The satellites are part of ADA Space’s “Star Compute” program and the
>> first of what it calls the “Three-Body Computing Constellation,” the
>> company writes.
>>
>> Each of the 12 satellites has an onboard eight-billion parameter AI model
>> and is capable of 744 tera operations per second (TOPS) — a measure of
>> their AI processing grunt — and, collectively, ADA Space says they can
>> manage five peta operations per second, or POPS.
>>
>> That’s quite a bit more than, say, the 40 TOPS required for a Microsoft
>> Copilot PC. The eventual goal is to have a network of thousands of
>> satellites that achieve 1,000 POPs, according to the Chinese government.
>>
>> The satellites communicate with each other at up-to-100Gbps using lasers,
>> and share 30 terabytes of storage between them, according to Space News.
>>
>> The 12 launched last week carry scientific payloads, including an X-ray
>> polarization detector for picking up brief cosmic phenomena such as
>> gamma-ray bursts. The satellites also have the capability to create 3D
>> digital twin data that can be used for purposes like emergency response,
>> gaming, and tourism, ADA Space says in its announcement.
>>
>> The benefits of having a space-based supercomputer go beyond saving
>> communications time, according to South China Morning Post.
>>
>> The outlet notes that traditional satellite transmissions are slow, and
>> that “less than 10 per cent” of satellite data makes it to Earth, due to
>> things like limited bandwidth and ground station availability.
>>
>> And Jonathan McDowell, a space historian and astronomer at Harvard
>> University, told the outlet, “Orbital data centres can use solar power and
>> radiate their heat to space, reducing the energy needs and carbon
>> footprint.” He said both the US and Europe could carry out similar projects
>> in the future, writes SCMP.
>>
>> 37 Comments
>>
>> __
>>
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>>
>
>
> --
> Mob:04 3365 2400 Email: antonybbarry at gmail.com, antonybbarry at me.com
>
>
>

-- 
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