Latest news with #ZhangChuan
The Star
16-05-2025
- Science
- The Star
China's bullet-shape satellite test paves the way for very low orbit surveillance network
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. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. 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. More from South China Morning Post: For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2025.
India.com
14-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
This country is planning to send 300 bullet-shaped satellites in space, its part of a dangerous..., India must remain alert due to...
China is planning to launch a 300-satellite constellation of bullet-shaped satellites. Chutian project: In a worrying development amid India-Pakistan tensions, China– Pakistan's 'all-weather-ally'– is planning to launch a constellation of bullet-shaped satellites into Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), aimed to build a surveillance network, which could potentially capture images of any location around the world. China to launch 300-satellite constellation According to a report by the South China Morning Post, China's Chutian project, which aims to build a 300-satellite constellation for high-resolution remote sensing and communication, as well as surveillance, has passed key technology checks. A year ago, China had launched the Chutian-001 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre by the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp (CASIC), displayed core capabilities, including satellite system performance, high-resolution smart imaging and space environment monitoring, the report said. Chutian project to be deployed in 3 phases Local local media sources, the report said the Chutian constellation will be deployed in three phases. In the first, initial technology and service verification stage, one experimental satellite was scheduled for launch last year to test operations in VLEO, after which a cluster of cluster of nine satellites will follow in 2025, to demonstrate real-time Earth observation capabilities, it said. The Chutian project will enter its second phase from 2026-2030, focusing on large-scale deployment, during which CASIC aims to complete 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, the report said. The third phase will be focused on integration and expansion, completing the full business system and pushing global response times to under 10 minutes, it added. Zhang Chuan, project leader at CASIC, said the Chutian constellation will support a wide range of applications, from disaster response and watershed management to agriculture, forestry and fisheries, adding the satellite system is designed for high revisit rates, fast data processing, intelligent analysis and near-instant downlink capabilities. What are the potential military uses and why India's must remain alert? According to experts, the Chutian constellation could be used as a global surveillance network, providing real-time target detection with precise satellite control and domestically developed technologies. This could pose a potential security threat to China's rivals, especially India after the recent developments where Beijing openly supported Pakistan in its conflict with India. Notably, the bullet-shaped body of the Chutian satellites is designed to reduce atmospheric drag, which is a major challenge for satellites operating below 300 km (186 miles), where air resistance is much higher. VLEO satellites typically orbit Earth at altitudes between 150 km and 300 km.
