Alibaba's Qwen-3 artificial intelligence model recently achieved a significant milestone, successfully performing inference tasks while orbiting Earth. This pioneering feat, executed by the Chinese aerospace firm Adaspace Technology, marks Qwen-3 as the inaugural general-purpose AI to operate in space. The accomplishment not only highlights China's growing leadership in space-based computational technologies but also paves the way for new long-term expansion opportunities for Alibaba Cloud in the burgeoning field of orbital AI.
This innovative deployment forms a crucial part of China's ambitious "Star-Compute Project," an initiative designed to establish an extensive network of satellites capable of supporting advanced AI functionalities. The project's vision extends to encompassing both physical AI applications and comprehensive platforms for AI training and inference in space. The successful operation of Qwen-3 in orbit underscores the potential for future advancements in artificial intelligence that transcend terrestrial limitations, promising transformative impacts across various sectors.
Pioneering AI in Space: Qwen-3's Orbital Debut
Alibaba's Qwen-3, a sophisticated artificial intelligence model, has achieved an unprecedented milestone by successfully executing its inference capabilities while in Earth's orbit. This groundbreaking endeavor was facilitated by Adaspace Technology, a Chinese aerospace startup, marking Qwen-3 as the first general-purpose AI to conduct such operations in space. This achievement signifies a monumental leap in the domain of space-based computing, underscoring China's rapid advancements and establishing new pathways for Alibaba Cloud's long-term expansion in the extraterrestrial frontier. The successful orbital deployment highlights the practical application of advanced AI beyond Earth's confines, opening up a new era for artificial intelligence in space.
The successful deployment of Qwen-3 in orbit demonstrates a significant technological breakthrough, moving artificial intelligence capabilities beyond Earth's atmosphere. Adaspace Technology's executive vice-president, Wang Yabo, confirmed that a series of on-orbit inference tasks were successfully completed. The entire process, from sending queries from Earth, processing them in orbit, to receiving the results back on the ground, was efficiently managed in less than two minutes. This rapid turnaround time showcases the efficiency and reliability of the space-based AI system. The Qwen-3 model's ability to operate in such a challenging environment marks a pivotal moment, affirming its robustness and potential for future advanced applications in aerospace and beyond.
The Visionary Star-Compute Project and Future AI Expansion
The deployment of Alibaba's Qwen-3 AI model is an integral component of the ambitious "Star-Compute Project" initiated by Adaspace. This extensive project aims to create a vast network of 2,800 satellites, explicitly designed to support both physical artificial intelligence applications and comprehensive platforms for AI training and inference in space. The successful integration of Qwen-3 within Adaspace's initial space computing center, which was launched in May of the previous year, highlights a strategic move towards establishing a formidable space-based AI infrastructure. This initiative positions China at the forefront of orbital computing capabilities, with a clear vision for long-term growth and innovation in the artificial intelligence sector.
Adaspace's Star-Compute Project envisions a future where AI capabilities are significantly enhanced through a dedicated space infrastructure. The initial phase of this project saw the launch of 12 satellites, forming the world's first AI computing satellite constellation. Building on this success, Adaspace is currently in the production phase for its second and third space computing centers, with launches anticipated in 2026. The long-term plan is to deploy 2,400 inference satellites and 400 training units into low-Earth orbit, targeting full operational deployment by 2035. This comprehensive strategy reflects China's commitment to prioritizing aerospace as a strategic domain through 2030, intensifying its competition with other global powers in orbital launches and space technology development, while providing Alibaba Cloud with innovative avenues for growth.