ZHONGTAI SECURITIES·2026-01-21 00:25Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for the industry. Core Insights - The demand for satellite internet networking is urgent, and space computing opens new growth opportunities. The construction of satellite internet networks is driven by strong demand due to the advantages of wide coverage, strong disaster resistance, and rapid deployment. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has established principles for satellite frequency and orbit usage, leading to a competitive race for low Earth orbit resources. The construction and launch of satellite constellations in China are accelerating, with a significant gap compared to the US [4][16]. - Space computing is leading to increased demand for satellites. The traditional model of "ground computing" is evolving to "space computing," with satellites equipped with AI chips and edge computing modules to process data in orbit, significantly reducing transmission delays and processing times. Major companies are investing in space computing infrastructure, which is expected to drive the demand for satellites [17][19]. - Solar wings are the only efficient and long-term energy supply solution for near-Earth commercial space. Solar wings account for approximately 12%-24% of the satellite's value, and their area is continuously increasing, which enhances the overall power supply capacity of satellites. The transition from rigid to flexible solar wings is a key trend, with different technological routes being adopted in China and the US [4][28][38]. Summary by Sections Satellite Internet Networking - The urgent need for satellite internet networking is driven by the rapid release of rigid application demands in communication, navigation, and remote sensing. The construction of satellite internet networks is becoming increasingly critical due to limited low Earth orbit resources and the competitive landscape [11][16]. - The ITU's "first come, first served" principle has intensified the competition for satellite orbital resources, with China lagging in the completion rate of its satellite constellations compared to the US [16][18]. Space Computing - Space computing is transforming satellite demand by embedding AI capabilities into satellite systems, allowing for in-orbit data processing and reducing the need for ground-based data transmission. This shift is expected to significantly enhance the capabilities and applications of satellites [19][22]. Solar Wings - Solar wings are essential for providing continuous power to satellites, with their value accounting for a significant portion of the satellite's overall worth. The area of solar wings is increasing, which is expected to enhance the power supply capabilities of satellites [28][30]. - The transition from rigid to flexible solar wings allows for greater power generation efficiency and is particularly suited for high-power and multi-satellite launch scenarios. The flexible solar wings can achieve a higher power-to-weight ratio and better space utilization [38][45]. Technology Routes - There are notable differences in the solar wing battery technology routes between China and the US. The US primarily uses silicon solar cells due to their lower costs and established supply chains, while China is exploring gallium arsenide cells for their higher power-to-weight ratios and efficiency [51][62]. - Gallium arsenide cells are being actively explored for cost reduction, and perovskite cells are emerging as a potential next-generation solution for solar wings due to their low cost and high efficiency [65][69].