On the evening of the 23rd, a significant milestone was reached in space technology with the successful launch and deployment of the "Hongtu 2" satellites 09 to 12. This event marked the commencement of large-scale applications for the "Nuwa Constellation," comprising twelve commercial radar remote sensing satellitesTheir advanced imaging capabilities are set to benefit various sectors, including disaster relief, agricultural monitoring, marine observation, and energy exploration, by providing high-resolution Earth observation imagery.
Utilizing the Long March 2D rocket, China achieved a remarkable feat by launching four satellites at a time on November 9 and December 17. These eight commercial radar remote sensing satellites now orbit at over 520 kilometers above Earth, in a sun-synchronous orbit—a perfect altitude for consistent imaging of the same geographical area.
Information gathered from the Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and the Zhongguancun Administrative Committee revealed that these satellites have undergone several critical operations post-launch
In the days following their deployment, they successfully unfolded their solar panels and communication antennas, tested the satellite-ground data transmission links, monitored their operational status, and activated their radar remote sensing payloadsBy joining the already operational "Hongtu 1," launched on March 30, 2023, the network of commercial radar remote sensing satellites within the "Nuwa Constellation" has now expanded to twelve.
One of the standout features of the "Nuwa Constellation" is its ability to deliver clear and precise imageryAs expressed by Wang Yuxiang, chairman of Aerospace Hongtu Information Technology Co., Ltd., these twelve satellites act like a “heavenly eye.” Their advanced technology allows them to penetrate through clouds and rain, thus enabling continuous day-and-night Earth observation with a resolution of up to one meterThis quality ensures that crucial information can be acquired regardless of weather conditions—an invaluable asset in scenarios such as natural disasters where timely data is critical.
Another defining characteristic of the "Nuwa Constellation" is its extensive coverage capability
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The constellation plans to deploy a total of 114 remote sensing satellites, with the twelve currently in orbit employing advanced formation modes such as wheel formations and 90-degree phase arrangementsThis configuration empowers the network to conduct global remote sensing observations, ensuring that no significant region on the planet remains unmonitored.
To date, imaging and data gathered by the "Nuwa Constellation" have already demonstrated their practical utility in responding to severe natural disasters, such as the catastrophic flooding events in Hunan province's Huayong County and breaches in the Dongting Lake levee, facilitating over a hundred event monitoring instances.
Looking ahead, Wang Yuxiang asserts, “By the end of 2025, we aim to have at least 20 satellites operational within the 'Nuwa Constellation.' This expansion will further enhance satellite responsiveness and deliver faster, more efficient information services.” The high-resolution imagery and data generated have the potential to significantly contribute to emergency disaster management, flood control efforts, and natural resource monitoring, playing an increasingly vital role in societal development and resilience.