Geely expands satellite constellation with fifth successful launch

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Geely Holding Group announced via its WeChat account that at 3:48 a.m. on September 9, it successfully deployed 11 satellites into orbit from waters near Rizhao, Shandong. The launch, which placed the satellites directly into their designated orbit, marked the completion of the fifth orbital plane of the Geely Future Mobility Constellation.

Among the new satellites was one branded "Lynk & Co 900," underscoring the Lynk & Co brand's role in Geely's broader effort to build an integrated "space-to-ground" mobility ecosystem.

The company highlighted that this marks the second successful launch within a month, following the deployment of the constellation's fourth orbital group on August 9. The back-to-back missions reflect an acceleration of Geely's satellite network rollout.

Public records show that the constellation is independently developed and operated by Geely's commercial aerospace subsidiary, Geespace. The first four orbital planes were completed in 2022, 2024, and earlier this year.

With the fifth orbital group now in place, Geespace has 52 satellites in orbit, including earlier test units. The company is pushing to complete the first-phase constellation of 64 satellites, which would create a near-global Internet of Things (IoT) communications network, excluding the polar regions. This system is expected to deliver satellite-enabled IoT services to users worldwide.

The Geely Future Mobility Constellation is designed to support multiple industries, including smart vehicles, low-altitude mobility, construction equipment, and maritime operations.

In the automotive sector, satellite-based IoT connectivity allows vehicles to connect directly with satellites, enhancing safety, navigation, and in-car services. Models already equipped with this capability include the Geely Galaxy Xingyao 8, Galaxy E8, Lynk & Co 900, Zeekr 001 FR, and Zeekr 009 Grand Edition.