Facilitating intelligent management of spacecraft, China’s first large language model in the aerospace field, “Huashan”, is released
In a recent interview at the 2024 China Satellite Application Conference held in Beijing, we spoke with Dong Weihua, Chief Technology Officer at Zhongke Tianta Technology Co., Ltd. He presented the company’s latest development: a groundbreaking large language model for aerospace, named “Huashan,” inspired by the fictional AI, MOSS, from the sci-fi film “The Wandering Earth 2.”
“This model is a significant leap from science fiction into reality,” Dong explained. “The Huashan model specifically aims to assist users in managing the intelligent operations of spacecraft, performing orbital calculations, generating command codes, and handling various in-orbit management tasks.”
During the conference, Dong emphasized that Huashan is the first AI language model applied in the Chinese aerospace sector. Developed from their own expertise in satellite management, the model features a platform that enables intuitive interaction through voice and text. Its capabilities include streamlining spacecraft operations and training personnel, earning it the nickname the “MOSS of the satellite industry.”
Dong highlighted that Zhongke Tianta has a rich history, being one of the pioneers in commercial satellite management. With over two decades of experience, the core technology team is focused on integrating next-generation information technologies—like cloud computing, big data, and AI—into the aerospace industry. This launch follows their innovative satellite health management software released in February 2022, marking another significant advancement in satellite in-orbit management.
When asked about Huashan’s specific features, Dong detailed its natural language processing capabilities, real-time fault analysis, and database retrieval functions. The model can effectively engage in multi-modal searches, analyze failure causation, and generate operational documents, all while maximizing the applicability of experiential scenarios in the aerospace field. “It’s designed for standalone operation, local service, and offline use,” he noted.
In a live demonstration, Dong showcased Huashan’s interactive capabilities, revealing the team’s ongoing commitment to training the model. He explained that future iterations will focus on enhancing intelligent querying and analysis abilities to optimize spacecraft management and improve the efficiency of satellite constellations.
Lastly, Dong shared the meaningful symbolism behind the name “Huashan,” which not only honors its Shaanxi origins but also references a line from the ancient poem “Ode to Mount Huashan,” indicating its lofty ambitions. He concluded by discussing market forecasts, predicting a rapid expansion of the satellite management market, potentially reaching 500 billion RMB in the next decade. Zhongke Tianta plans to leverage its technical expertise to continue achieving breakthroughs and delivering reliable solutions across software, hardware, and strategic services.
