China has officially launched its largest commercial radar remote sensing constellation, Nuwa, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s space technology advancements. Beijing-based satellite firm PIESAT announced that the 12-satellite constellation is now operational, offering unprecedented global coverage and real-time remote sensing capabilities.
The announcement follows the successful launch of four PIESAT-2 satellites into a 528-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit last week. These satellites have already begun transmitting high-resolution images and data back to Earth, joining eight previously deployed satellites to complete the Nuwa constellation.
Named after the Chinese goddess credited with creating humanity, Nuwa’s satellites are strategically arranged in three distinct groups. The first group forms a wheel-like configuration, featuring a central “hub” satellite surrounded by three auxiliary satellites. The second and third groups, launched over the past two months, each consist of four satellites in co-orbital, wheel-like formations.
This innovative arrangement enables Nuwa to provide comprehensive global coverage, including polar and equatorial regions. The constellation’s advanced radar technology allows it to see through clouds and rain, ensuring all-weather, constant Earth observation with imaging resolutions of up to one meter.
“The satellites provide real-time remote sensing with quick response and agile observation capabilities,” said Wang Yuxiang, chairman of PIESAT. “They take as little as 20 minutes to transmit data from command to ground reception.”
Looking ahead, PIESAT plans to expand the Nuwa constellation to at least 20 satellites by 2025. This expansion aims to achieve a daily revisit interval, with the fastest revisit time reduced to just one hour, significantly enhancing real-time monitoring capabilities.
In addition to the satellite deployment, the PIESAT team has integrated artificial intelligence to boost image analysis efficiency. This advancement allows for real-time monitoring of millimeter-scale deformations in critical structures like dams and drainage outlets, offering valuable data for infrastructure management and disaster prevention.
The operationalization of the Nuwa constellation represents a leap forward in commercial satellite technology, positioning China as a leader in space-based remote sensing and data analytics. Its capabilities promise to benefit a range of sectors, from environmental monitoring to urban planning and emergency response.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
