Latest satellite developments improve China’s remote sensing capabilities

China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp. (CASIC), a major player in the country’s space industry, announced on Sunday that it intends to launch the first satellite of a comprehensive remote sensing network into space within the coming months

Zhang Chuan of CASIC Aerospace Engineering Development, who is leading the initiative in Beijing, has announced that the first satellite of the Chutian Remote Sensing Satellite Network will be launched in July. It is understood that these satellites are intended to collect and monitor data about the Earth’s surface, weather, 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,” Zhang said in a statement.

By the end of 2025, China plans to launch nine more satellites of the same type into the same orbit if the first one is successful. At this point, China intends to test network technologies and develop a system capable of fulfilling data requests within 24 hours.

In 2026, the company plans to begin significant orbital construction by deploying large Chutian satellite constellations. By 2030, the network is expected to include 300 remote-sensing satellites.

Zhang emphasized that this system will allow for real-time, high-resolution monitoring of specific locations and targets around the world within 15 minutes of a data request.

The Chutian network provides public services like emergency response, rescue operations, and disaster prevention and relief.

Source: Newsroom