Chinese language carmaker Geely will quickly have 20 satellites orbiting earth – with plans to launch greater than 200 sooner or later – in a bid to enhance how its autonomous automobiles drive.
Geely, which owns Volvo, Polestar and Lotus amongst a number of manufacturers, launched 11 low-Earth orbit satellites from China’s Xichang Satellite tv for pc Launch Centre on February 3 underneath its Geely Future Mobility Constellation division.
The launch adopted the corporate sending its first 9 satellites into low-Earth orbit in June 2022, all of that are geared toward delivering a greater autonomous driving expertise to its prospects.
In response to Geely, the satellites will permit its autonomous automobiles to be higher knowledgeable in regards to the roads they’re driving on, whereas additionally decreasing connection blackspots.
At current, simply three fashions made by the carmaker and its subsidiaries could make full use of the satellite-based communication expertise used of their autonomous driving methods: the Geely Galaxy E8, Zeekr 001 FR and Zeekr 007 electrical automobiles (EVs).
By 2025, Geely plans to have 72 satellites in orbit earlier than launching a further 168 satellites within the second section of its rollout, for a complete of 240 by an undetermined date.
Geely already has a presence in Australia by way of the aforementioned Volvo, Polestar and Lotus manufacturers, and is predicted to launch Zeekr within the third quarter of 2024 (July to September inclusive), with the 009 electrical individuals mover confirmed to be its first mannequin on sale domestically.