China launched two SuperView Neo-1 satellites on February 27, 2023, enhancing its high-resolution remote sensing capabilities. The Long March 2C rocket successfully lifted off from Jiuquan, confirming the continued advancement of CASC’s commercial satellite programs. The SuperView constellation now consists of nine satellites, aiming to reach a total of 28, supporting precision mapping and global commercial operations.
On February 27, 2023, China successfully launched two SuperView Neo-1 satellites as part of its commercial high-resolution remote sensing constellation. The Long March 2C rocket lifted off at 2:08 a.m. Eastern Time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, marking a significant milestone. Following the launch, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) confirmed the success of the mission within the hour, revealing the payloads to be SuperView Neo-1 03 and 04, also known as Siwei Gaojing-1 (03, 04).
These satellites, managed by China Siwei Surveying and Mapping Technology Co., Ltd., enhance the “China Siwei New Generation Commercial Remote Sensing Satellite System,” which now includes nine satellites, with an ultimate goal of 28. CASC emphasizes that these satellites offer the highest spatial resolution capabilities among China’s commercial remote sensing options, reflecting international standards of performance.
The SuperView Neo-1 satellites feature ultra-high resolution, agility, positioning accuracy, and efficient data transmission capabilities. They are designed to support precision mapping services and contribute to the advancement of China’s imagery capabilities, thus facilitating a stronger presence in the global remote sensing market.
The SuperView constellation includes four optical Neo-1 satellites, complemented by four SAR (synthetic aperture radar) satellites and one Neo-3 ultra-large width satellite, allowing for all-weather imaging. Both optical and SAR capabilities ensure high-resolution data acquisition.
Developed by the Shanghai Academy of Space Technology (SAST) under CASC, these latest satellites join the existing operational fleet launched into near-polar orbits at an altitude of approximately 500 kilometers. The recent launch is part of China’s broader strategy to execute numerous orbital missions throughout the year.
This launch represents the ninth orbital attempt for China in 2023, following notable launches of ChinaSat-10R and the debut of the Long March 8A rocket. CASC has yet to publish its plans for future launches, although they aim for around 100 missions in 2024, including targeted commercial launches.
China is also preparing for significant missions this year, such as crewed Shenzhou spaceflights to the Tiangong space station and the Tianzhou-9 cargo spacecraft launch. Additionally, new Long March and potentially reusable rockets, including Zhuque-3 and Nebula-1, are slated for debut in 2025, enhancing China’s launching capabilities.
China’s recent launch of the SuperView Neo-1 satellites bolsters its commercial high-resolution remote sensing capabilities, expanding the SuperView constellation. With the goal of achieving around 100 launches in 2024, China is actively pursuing advancements in both crewed and commercial space missions. The development of various rocket systems underscores its commitment to enhancing its presence in the global space industry. Overall, China’s ongoing investment in satellite technology and launch capabilities positions it as a significant player in the global remote sensing and aerospace sectors.
Original Source: spacenews.com
