China’s automotive giant Geely has taken another ambitious step into the space sector through its subsidiary Geespace. On 9 August 2025, the company successfully launched 11 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, expanding its Future Mobility Constellation (GEESATCOM) to 41 active units. The satellites were launched via the Smart Dragon-3 rocket from a sea-based platform off the coast of Rizhao, Shandong Province.

This latest move highlights Geely’s determination to integrate automotive technology with space connectivity, making it the first global car manufacturer with its own satellite network. By the end of 2025, Geespace plans to complete the first phase of the constellation with 72 satellites, designed to power next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) services, autonomous driving, and advanced vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication.

Founded in 2018, Geespace operates under the Geely Technology Group, focusing on high-precision positioning, navigation, and global connectivity. Its OmniCloud platform provides data services for smart mobility, urban planning, and emergency communication. With the new satellites in orbit, Geespace has strengthened its role as a key player in China’s digital and space industries.

The constellation aims to support industries beyond automotive, including agriculture, forestry, maritime logistics, and environmental monitoring. According to Geespace, operational tests have already shown 99.15% communication success rates and 99.97% network availability, making the system reliable for both commercial and public applications.

The 11 newly launched satellites form the fourth orbital plane of the GEESATCOM system. Within the next two months, Geespace expects to expand its operational fleet to 64 satellites before reaching the 72-satellite milestone.

By achieving full deployment, Geespace projects that its constellation could serve over 200 million users worldwide. This includes partnerships with telecom operators in more than 20 countries across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. These agreements signal Geely’s intent to compete not only with traditional automakers but also with global technology firms exploring space-based communication.

For Geely, the satellite network is not just a prestige project but a strategic investment in its smart mobility ecosystem. The satellites provide centimeter-level positioning accuracy, enhancing the performance of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) and autonomous driving platforms.

During the World Games 2025 in Chengdu, Geely showcased real-world applications of its satellite technology, using precise navigation for fleet management and emergency communications. The demonstration confirmed that space-based data integration can significantly improve urban safety and traffic efficiency.

Geely’s expansion into satellite services reflects a broader trend where automakers diversify into high-tech sectors. With autonomous driving heavily dependent on connectivity and precision, having a dedicated satellite network gives Geely a competitive edge.

Analysts note that this strategy positions Geely as a unique global player, competing in the intersection of automotive, telecommunications, and aerospace. For China, it also strengthens the country’s standing in the space race for IoT dominance, alongside projects like Starlink by SpaceX.

According to Wired, Geely is the only automaker in the world to own and operate such a satellite constellation, underlining its ambitions to merge the automotive industry with space infrastructure.

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