China deploys nine satellites in a single launch, including AI-enabled payload

In a commercial spaceflight operation, China sent nine satellites aloft using the Lijian-1 Y18 launch vehicle from the Dongfeng pilot area. The mission, declared a complete success, placed the payloads into their intended trajectories. The roster features Super AI Computing-1, which houses an optical sensor and AI computer to process images before downlink, and Pengcheng First, which integrates satellite-based 5G, onboard AI calculations and laser communications.

Additional satellites such as Qinling 01 and 02 will monitor the Qinling Mountains and Yellow River region, while the three Diting-01 units form the first batch of a commercial constellation aimed at gathering electromagnetic and radio emission data. The launch marks the 17th flight of the Lijian series, which has carried over 121 satellites totaling more than 21 tonnes to space.