Silk Road in orbit: China to build 20-satellite ‘space AI’ system for Oman

Hangzhou-based Star Vision will build Oman a network of 20 satellites that use AI to process images in orbit and spot ships and floods in real time, in what the company called China's most valuable commercial space contract ever.

The deal – worth over US$200 million according to the start-up – was signed in Beijing last week with Omani firm Oman Lens during a landmark state visit by the country's ruler, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq.

Besides the constellation, the package includes a satellite assembly and testing centre in Oman, scholarships for 30 Omanis to pursue master's and doctoral degrees in China, and training for 1,000 local specialists. The two sides will also set up a joint lab for space artificial intelligence.

Liao Zhenhua, head of Star Vision's Oman project, said smaller nations wanted satellites of their own so they were not left behind as the major powers filled up space. "They may not have as many as the US, but with even one or two, they could look wherever they want," he said in an interview.