China’s Tiangong Space Station now has a high-tech co-pilot: Meet Wukong AI

China’s space programme has always aimed high, but now the Tiangong Space Station has something brand new: an onboard AI co-pilot called Wukong. This isn’t your typical bit of software, Wukong is an AI bot , designed to make day-to-day life and critical missions smoother and safer for everyone on board.

The legend behind Wukong’s name

There’s real meaning behind the name Wukong. Inspired by the legendary Monkey King from Chinese folklore, Wukong is a character known for being clever, daring, and powerful. His story has inspired generations, popping up in everything from ancient tales to hit video games like Black Myth: Wukong. Naming this space AI after such an icon is China’s way of signaling some big ambitions for its space tech.

Wukong AI hits orbit and gets right to work

Wukong AI became operational in July 2025, and it has already made a difference. In its first few weeks, Wukong helped taikonauts during a 6.5-hour spacewalk where they had to install a debris shield and tick off a bunch of safety checks.

Instead of just watching from the sidelines, Wukong acted as a digital co-pilot, guiding astronauts through tricky procedures and making sure everything ran according to plan. In an environment where small mistakes can be costly, this kind of real-time AI backup is a major step forward for China’s space missions.

How Wukong AI actually works on the Tiangong Space Station

Wukong’s setup is more advanced than earlier space AI. Instead of running on a single device, it operates through two modules that are constantly connected. The first module stays onboard the Tiangong, focused on delivering instant navigation, tactical support, and hands-on help for the crew.

This allows taikonauts to get quick answers and immediate guidance, especially during high-pressure moments like spacewalks.The second module is based on Earth. This is where the heavy processing happens. Massive amounts of data are crunched, systems are double-checked, and smart suggestions are beamed up to the station.

With both parts working in sync, astronauts get the best of both worlds: instant support up in orbit and detailed analysis from the ground. It’s a setup that keeps the crew sharp, efficient, and a lot safer.

AI in Space

AI tech in space isn’t exactly brand new. NASA has already tested tools like CIMON on the ISS, but Wukong stands out by combining everyday conversational skills with mission-specific expertise. This means it’s not just answering questions, it’s also actively helping astronauts carry out high-stakes tasks in real time. With spaceflight only set to get longer and more complex, from plans for lunar bases to the dream of Mars missions, having a smart, adaptable AI assistant is starting to look essential.

For China, Wukong is a proof of concept that open-source language models can genuinely thrive in space. It points to a future where AI will do far more than assist, it could become mission-critical, helping crews stay safe during long periods away from Earth.

Wukong’s debut signals the start of a new chapter, with AI evolving from a support tool into a trusted partner for the next generation of space exploration.