China: AI Goes to Orbit

On February 13, 2026, China launched the CUHK-1 satellite, the world's first spacecraft with a full-fledged large AI model on board. The satellite doesn't just image the Earth but analyzes data in real-time directly in space.

This is a technological shift: instead of sending terabytes of raw images to Earth, the satellite sends ready-made analytical reports (on traffic, fires, floods). Edge AI has reached cosmic scales, reducing emergency response times from hours to minutes.

Source: Global Times / CUHK