China on November 25 successfully launched two autonomous satellites from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center using Long March-2C rockets.
Self-driving satellites Siwei Gaojing-2 03 and Gaojing-2 04 launched into space. Image: CGTN
The world’s first two autonomous satellites, Siwei Gaojing-2 03 and Gaojing-2 04, were developed by the Shanghai Institute of Astronautical Technology (SAST) to change the way Earth is observed. Unlike traditional satellites that need continuous control from a ground station to move, the new pair of satellites can self-maintain and adjust their orbits without human intervention.
To achieve this, the developers used a variety of advanced systems for the satellite, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology and high-precision radar. SAR technology allows the pair of satellites to see through clouds, fog and darkness, providing continuous observations regardless of weather conditions or time of day. This capability is important for many applications, from monitoring natural resources and urban infrastructure to supporting natural disaster response and military surveillance.
Automated operation technology brings many benefits, reducing the need for constant control from ground stations, freeing up valuable resources and personnel. This technology also increases the responsiveness of satellites, allowing them to quickly adapt to changing mission requirements or unexpected events.
Gaojing-2 03 and Gaojing-2 04 are part of the Siwei commercial remote sensing satellite network project. The project, led by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), aims to establish a network of at least 28 satellites to provide comprehensive Earth observation data for many industries. various industries and applications.
In the field of natural resource management, satellites will contribute to monitoring forests, water sources, and mineral mines, providing valuable data for sustainable resource management. The ability to take images in all weather conditions will allow them to continuously monitor critical infrastructure, assist in detecting potential problems and ensure public safety. In the event of a natural disaster, they can quickly provide images of the affected area, helping authorities assess damage and participate in relief efforts.