Ahead of Singles’ Day, Alibaba goes to space

China’s e-commerce giant Alibaba announced today that it will activate a “one station, one satellite” plan before November 11, 2018, our sister site reports.

The company said a step into space will start by launching a mini space station called “Candy Tin” and a communication satellite called “Tmall International”. It is unclear if Alibaba independently carried out R&D and manufacturing processes with its affiliate. No public information on whether the space station and satellite will cooperate with state-backed or global space projects in the future. Alibaba hasn’t replied to TechNode’s further media requests or made any clarifications by the publication of this article.

According to Alibaba, a major purpose of the plan is to enhance customers’ user experience during the 11.11 (also known as “Single’s Day) shopping festival. The giant says the space technology will better serve the integration of online and offline shopping interactions during the festival.

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