China successfully launched two SuperView Neo-1 satellites on February 27, enhancing its commercial remote sensing capabilities. The Long March 2C rocket lifted off from Jiuquan, with the payload confirmed shortly after. The SuperView satellites represent advanced technology in high-resolution imaging, and the launch marks another stride in China’s active space program for 2024.
On February 27, China augmented its commercial high-resolution remote sensing constellation with the launch of two SuperView Neo-1 satellites. The Long March 2C rocket successfully lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 2:08 a.m. Eastern Time, shedding insulation tiles as planned during its ascent.
The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) confirmed the successful launch within an hour. The undisclosed payloads were later identified as SuperView Neo-1 03 and 04, operated by China Siwei Surveying and Mapping Technology Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of CASC. These satellites are part of a larger system comprising 28 planned spacecraft.
CASC describes the SuperView Neo-1 satellites as having the highest spatial resolution among domestic commercial remote sensing satellites. They are designed to offer ultra-high resolution and high-performance data transmission, meeting international standards for remote sensing technology. This information is crucial for precision mapping services and bolsters China’s imaging satellite capabilities.
The existing SuperView constellation includes four Neo-1 optical satellites, four Neo-2 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites, and one Neo-3 ultra-wide satellite, providing all-weather imaging capabilities along with high-resolution imagery. The Shanghai Academy of Space Technology developed the recently launched satellites, while the Long March 2C rocket was provided by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology.
This launch marks China’s ninth orbital attempt this year, following previous launches that include a communications satellite and new megaconstellation satellites. China’s broader ambitions include reaching approximately 100 launches annually and debuting various new rocket designs by 2025, including crewed missions to the Tiangong space station and a near-Earth asteroid mission expected to launch in May.
The recent Long March 2C launch underscores China’s advancing capabilities in commercial remote sensing technology and its commitment to expanding its space operations. The successful deployment of the SuperView Neo-1 satellites enhances high-resolution imaging for global applications and signifies a strategic move to bolster China’s presence in the commercial satellite market. The year’s continued launches illustrate China’s ambitious goals in space exploration and satellite technology development.
Original Source: spacenews.com
