吉利星座获工信部商用试验批复 千帆融资近70亿

On August 20th, automaker Geely’s (吉利汽车) space subsidiary Geespace announced through its various social media channels that they have received approval from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (中华人民共和国工业和信息化部) to conduct a two-year commercial trial of space-based connectivity services. Those services will be provided by the 64-satellite Future Mobility Constellation, deployed by six launches between June 2022 and September 2025, within China. Geespace did note that they possess the capability to connect users globally1, except for those near the poles. Devices to be connected during the trial period are stated to be those supporting construction machinery, maritime and fisheries, energy and water infrastructure, and logistics, as well as enabling intelligent connected vehicles and low-altitude mobility services2. It could also include those featuring terminals developed for Geespace’s open connectivity ecosystem. Previously, the company has provided limited services to users in the maritime, energy, and logistics sectors, alongside supporting some emergency communications. At the end of the announcement, Geespace added that they are also actively working on the Future Mobility Constellation’s second generation, which will include direct-to-device mobile services. Next-generation satellites will allow the constellation to support existing 5G infrastructure and the eventual 6G ones once standards are decided upon. Dependent on launch availability, the second-generation satellites of Future Mobility Constellation should number up to 6,012 deployed. Geespace is the second connectivity constellation operator to receive approval to conduct a commercial trial, with Guodian Gaoke (国电高科) with its Tianqi (天启) gaining regulatory go-ahead in May. That constellation is undergoing a transition to larger spacecraft. Over a week later, on September 1st, Geespace shared that its connectivity constellation will have user terminals mass-produced by Geely’s automotive arm for integration on the imminently available Galaxy Cruiser 700 (银河战舰700) hybrid vehicle. Those terminals will keep the vehicle connected to smart systems, such as automated accident calls, in remote regions. Following the recent news, Geespace is reportedly estimated to be worth 30 billion Yuan (4.46 billion United States Dollars, as of August 23rd) through its dual business paths of space-based services and manufacturing of satellite platforms3. Meanwhile, soon-to-be connectivity provide…