Lastest satellite advances China's remote-sensing capabilities

Lastest satellite advances China's remote-sensing capabilities
by Simon Mansfield
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Apr 25, 2024

China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp (CASIC), a prominent player in the nation's space industry, has announced plans to deploy the initial satellite of an extensive remote-sensing network within the next few months, according to a project manager.

Zhang Chuan of CASIC Space Engineering Development, a subsidiary leading the initiative in Beijing, stated that the inaugural satellite of the Chutian Remote-Sensing Satellite Network is set for launch by July.

These satellites are designed to monitor and collect data on Earth's surface, weather patterns, and atmospheric conditions.

"Equipped with advanced technology including optical remote-sensing imagers, data processors, and atomic oxygen sensors, this satellite will test new low-orbit remote-sensing technologies, such as aerodynamic designs and systems resistant to atomic oxygen, as well as onboard intelligent systems," explained Zhang during a briefing in Wuhan, Hubei province.

Should the initial satellite prove successful, plans are in place to launch an additional nine satellites of the same type into the same orbit by the end of 2025. This phase aims to test networking technologies and establish a system capable of fulfilling data requests within 24 hours.

Starting in 2026, the company intends to deploy large clusters of Chutian satellites, marking the start of significant in-orbit construction. By 2030, the network is expected to consist of 300 remote-sensing satellites in ultra-low orbits-below 300 kilometers altitude. This network will enable the capture of optical, radar, hyperspectral, and infrared imagery.

Zhang highlighted that this system would enable real-time, high-resolution monitoring of specific locations and targets across the globe within 15 minutes of a data request.

The Chutian network is projected to provide public services in emergency response, rescue operations, and disaster prevention and relief. It will also support high-resolution, real-time observations tailored to specific user needs.

Satellites in ultra-low orbit offer advantages such as high-definition imagery, reduced costs, and quicker data transmission due to their proximity to Earth. These satellites also tend to be lighter and less expensive to produce, added satellite designers from CASIC Space Engineering Development.

Li Yanbin, deputy general manager of the company, commented on the inadequacy of current remote-sensing capabilities in China for emergency and disaster response needs. "Our new satellite network will deliver rapid and reliable high-precision data and imagery, critical for these applications," he noted. "It also holds promise for expanding commercial remote-sensing services and could pioneer new opportunities in the space sector."

Based on a Xinhua News Agency article