China’s advancements in space chip testing have surpassed NASA and private companies, positioning them at the forefront of space technology. The country’s Tiangong space station is now capable of testing over 100 computer processors simultaneously, with more than 20 new high-performance chips already passing the rigorous testing. These chips, which are considerably more advanced than those used by other countries in space, have been designed and manufactured entirely within China.
In contrast, NASA currently utilizes chips based on 30-year-old technology, such as the RAD750 processor used in the James Webb Space Telescope. This outdated processor, manufactured using 250-nanometre technology, pales in comparison to the performance of modern smartphone chips. China’s testing on the Tiangong space station, running on their independently developed SpaceOS operating system, allows them to rapidly improve the technology of their space-grade chips while reducing research and development costs.
What sets China’s space testing apart is the scale and scope of their operations on the Tiangong space station. This testing platform is much larger than their previous satellite-based platforms, allowing a large number of confidential new chips to be installed on the outside of the space station for radiation testing in space. The chips run various software programs, and the data generated can be transmitted back to Earth through the space station’s communication system. If necessary, these chips can also be returned to Earth for further testing.
China’s dedication to chip testing in space stems from its ambitious space goals. Large-scale chip testing in orbit is crucial for the country’s rapidly growing space program. While the International Space Station (ISS) is larger than the Tiangong, its rules and regulations prove to be an inconvenience when it comes to chip testing involving national security and technical secrets. China’s self-built space station offers the advantage of conducting chip experiments without the need to disclose detailed information about the payloads sent to the ISS.
China’s space engineers face the challenge of balancing progressiveness and caution. While they embrace advancements like artificial intelligence for enhanced processing power, the increasing number of transistors on chips makes them vulnerable to attacks from cosmic high-energy particles, leading to potential accuracy issues with computing and information storage. To mitigate such challenges, China aims to develop a diverse range of high-performance chips that can maintain stable and reliable operation in orbit for extended periods.
The testing on the Tiangong space station provides invaluable insights into chip performance and protection technologies specific to space conditions. By allowing multiple suppliers to compete on an equal platform and testing their chips in space, China can foster innovation and improvement in the field of space-grade chips. Additionally, their plans to build a satellite internet constellation comparable to Starlink further demonstrate their commitment to advancing space technology.
The breakthroughs achieved by China in chip testing not only surpass NASA but also position them as a strong competitor to private space companies like SpaceX. As the demand for high-performance, low-cost space-grade chips grows worldwide, China’s advancements in this field are expected to have a significant impact on space exploration and technology development. With their deep ultraviolet lithography capabilities and the ability to produce a large quantity of chips at low costs, China is poised to revolutionize the space chip industry.
In conclusion, China’s advances in space chip testing on the Tiangong space station have propelled them to a leading position in space technology. Their ability to test multiple processors simultaneously and develop advanced protection technologies is a significant milestone. As they continue to improve their space-grade chips and expand their space ambitions, China solidifies its position as a key player in the global space race.
