China Adds to SuperView Remote Sensing Constellation with Long March 2C Launch
HELSINKI — China expanded its commercial high-resolution remote sensing constellation early Thursday with the successful launch of two SuperView Neo-1 satellites aboard a Long March 2C rocket. The liftoff occurred at 2:08 a.m. Eastern Time on February 27, 2025, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
As the rocket ascended, insulation tiles fell from both the upper stage and the payload fairing as expected, in a seamless launch sequence. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) announced the success of the launch not long after liftoff, though the objectives of the mission were initially undisclosed. The payload, later confirmed, included the SuperView Neo-1 03 and 04 satellites, developed by China Siwei Surveying and Mapping Technology Co., Ltd., which operates under CASC.
Satellite Specifications and Capabilities
The SuperView Neo-1 satellites are part of the advancing “China Siwei New Generation Commercial Remote Sensing Satellite System.” With this latest launch, the constellation now comprises nine satellites, with future plans expanding the total to 28. CASC has indicated that these satellites boast the highest spatial resolution of any commercial remote sensing satellites currently available in China.
The official launch statement from CASC emphasized the advanced features of these satellites, stating:
“These satellites feature ultra-high resolution, high agility, high positioning accuracy, and high-capacity, high-performance data transmission. Their overall performance metrics align with international advanced standards.”
Applications of SuperView Satellites
The SuperView satellites are designed to provide high-quality data support for precision mapping services, thereby significantly enhancing China’s capabilities in high-resolution agile imaging. This technology aims to cater to a growing global commercial remote sensing satellite market, fulfilling diverse requirements for geographic information.
Contributions to the Remote Sensing Field
The SuperView constellation now includes:
- Four Neo-1 optical satellites
- Four Neo-2 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites
- One Neo-3 ultra-large width satellite
The inclusion of SAR capabilities allows for all-weather imaging, while the optical satellites provide unrivaled resolution and detail, making them invaluable for both domestic and international applications.
Development and Launch Information
The satellites were developed by the Shanghai Academy of Space Technology (SAST), a key entity within CASC, with the launch vehicle supplied by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT). This collaboration showcases China's progressive advancements in space technology and launch operations.
Recent Launches and Future Plans
This launch marks China's ninth orbital attempt in 2025, following the February 22 launch of the ChinaSat-10R communications satellite, and the February 11 inaugural flight of the Long March 8A rocket, which successfully deployed additional satellites into orbit. Overall, the country is poised to undertake approximately 100 launches this year according to its ambitious space agenda.
Highlight missions for 2025 include:
- The anticipated launch of the Tianwen-2 mission aimed at near-Earth asteroids and main belt comets, which arrived at Xichang spaceport this month and is expected to launch in May.
- Engagements with commercial launch enterprises in Beijing aiming to collectively accomplish around 40 launches this year, which was discussed at a recent commercial space conference.
Future Missions and Innovations
In addition to crewed missions to the Tiangong space station—including Shenzhou-20 and -21 planned for 2025—China plans to launch several cargo spacecraft, including the Tianzhou-9, with two new types of smaller cargo craft that may utilize novel commercial rockets.
Furthermore, CASC looks ahead to the debut of several innovative Long March variants and possibly reusable commercial spacecraft within the near future. Among these are the Zhuque-3, Nebula-1, and Tianlong-3 rockets, which are anticipated to enhance China's launch capabilities significantly.
With its growing fleet of satellites and a clear plan for future missions, China's pursuit of excellence in space technology continues, showcasing its commitment to expanding its role in the global aerospace industry.
Conclusion
The successful launch of the SuperView Neo-1 03 and 04 satellites serves not only as a testament to China’s rapidly advancing space program but also highlights its strategic objectives in enhancing global commercial remote sensing capabilities. As the landscape of space technology continues to evolve, China remains a key player to watch in the years ahead.
For More Information
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References
[1] SpaceNews on SuperView launches
[2] SpaceNews on previous satellite launches
