China's bullet-shape satellite test paves the way for very low orbit surveillance network

The Star

16-05-2025

China has completed key technology checks for an experimental satellite in very low Earth orbit (VLEO), marking an initial step towards building a 300-satellite constellation for high-resolution remote sensing and communications, according to local media.
Chutian-001, which was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre a year ago, showed core capabilities – including satellite system performance, high-resolution smart imaging and space environment monitoring – Hubei Daily reported.
The outlet said the tests showed major progress in key areas, such as precise satellite control in very low orbits, real-time target detection using domestically developed technologies and multi-sensor monitoring of the near-Earth environment.
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The report did not disclose the satellite's altitude or specifications such as mass or size. However, images from last year's Zhuhai air show revealed the satellite's streamlined, bullet-shaped body designed to reduce atmospheric drag, a key challenge for spacecraft operating below 300km (186 miles) where air resistance is much greater.
VLEO satellites typically circle the Earth at altitudes between 150km and 300km, offering advantages such as lower signal latency, stronger transmission, reduced power needs and potentially lower launch costs.
However, they must regularly fire on-board thrusters to counter atmospheric drag, which shortens their lifespan and demands more frequent replacement.
As part of China's broader effort to grow its commercial space sector, the Chutian constellation project was launched in July 2023 by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp (CASIC) in partnership with the Hubei provincial government. The constellation will be deployed in three phases.
During the initial technology and service verification stage, one experimental satellite was scheduled for launch last year to test operations in very low orbit. Over 2024-25, a cluster of nine satellites will follow to show real-time Earth observation capabilities.
The second phase from 2026 to 2030 will focus on large-scale deployment. It aims to establish a 300-satellite network offering continuous global coverage with a range of imaging types – visible light, synthetic aperture radar, hyperspectral, and infrared – and response times as short as 15 minutes.
After 2030, the project will enter an integration and expansion phase, completing the full business system and pushing global response times to under 10 minutes.
According to Zhang Chuan, project leader at CASIC, the Chutian constellation will support a wide range of applications, from disaster response and watershed management to agriculture, forestry and fisheries. The system is designed for high revisit rates, fast data processing, intelligent analysis and near-instant downlink capabilities.
'For disaster response and unexpected emergencies, the constellation will eventually support mission dispatch within minutes and transmit live updates from affected areas in real time,' he told China News Service in April 2024.
Zhang said the constellation would also benefit the public who in future might use smart devices to access satellite-based services, such as navigation support for autonomous driving, alerts about hazardous road conditions and the real-time monitoring of crowd density, enabled by intelligent cloud detection and change analysis.
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