Chinese Remote Sensing Constellation Expands for Global Market

Chinese Remote Sensing Constellation Expands for Global Market
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 04, 2025

China's Earth observation capabilities have advanced with the recent launch of two new satellites, further expanding its remote sensing constellation. The newly deployed satellites aim to offer global services and compete with leading international providers such as Maxar in the U.S. and Airbus in Europe, according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

The constellation is designed to support a wide range of applications, including maritime traffic monitoring, law enforcement surveillance, and rapid disaster assessment following floods, fires, or earthquakes.

On February 27, a Long March-2C rocket successfully placed the Siwei Gaojing-1 03 and Siwei Gaojing-1 04 satellites into their designated orbits. By last Saturday, ground stations had received the first data transmissions, which delivered high-resolution images with sharp textures, vibrant colors, and detailed layering.

An official from CASC highlighted that these satellites represent China's most advanced commercial remote sensing technology, boasting the highest spatial resolution and geometric accuracy in the country. They incorporate ultra-agile control technology for enhanced high-definition imaging stability, mitigating distortions caused by movement.

Furthermore, the satellites use real-time monitoring technology to precisely align the camera's line of sight with sub-arc-second-level accuracy. This advancement enables them to achieve internationally competitive image positioning precision without requiring additional ground control points.

The Siwei satellite network now consists of nine operational satellites, with plans to expand to 28, including 16 high-resolution optical satellites, 4 wide-swath optical satellites, and 8 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. Market demand could drive further expansion to 56 satellites in the future.

China has already developed multiple remote sensing satellite constellations. The Jilin-1 network, operational since October 2015, now comprises over 117 satellites, capable of observing any location on Earth up to 40 times per day. This system covers the entire planet six times annually and can scan all of China 24 times a year. Its operator, Chang Guang, has partnered with over 130 international clients for services in land surveying, urban development monitoring, agriculture, and forestry.

Additionally, China has established the Nuwa constellation, its largest commercial radar remote sensing network, consisting of 12 satellites. This initiative aims to expand to 114 satellites, creating an extensive SAR hybrid constellation.

China's remote sensing capabilities are also strengthened by the Gaofen series of Earth observation satellites, which contribute to the country's growing presence in global space-based imaging and monitoring.