Geelyspace satellites make their way to the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, where they are scheduled for launch in early 2024. [Photo/WeChat account: tzfb001]  

A commercial satellite named after Taizhou, a city located in East China's Zhejiang province, is set to be elevated into a low Earth orbit.

Weighing approximately 100 kilograms, the satellite will operate at an altitude of 600 kilometers. It is one of 11 satellites set to be launched by Geelyspace, a subsidiary of Chinese auto behemoth Geely, as part of the company's future mobility system known as Geely Future Mobility Constellation.

On Dec 27, the 11 satellites were transported from the Geely-funded satellite super-factory in Taizhou to semi-trailers, commencing a journey spanning over 3,000 km. Their final destination is the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, where they are scheduled for launch in early 2024.

The impending launch signifies the completion of the deployment of the second orbital plane of the Geely Future Mobility Constellation, projected to comprise a total of 240 satellites. The first phase involves 72 satellites slated for placement in orbit by 2025, providing satellite application services such as communication, navigation, and remote sensing, to automobile brands globally, including those within Geely's portfolio.

Geelyspace previously achieved a significant milestone on June 2, 2022, when it successfully launched its initial nine satellites into orbit. These satellites have been operating reliably for over a year.