The new constellation marks China’s second space situational awareness system, enhancing tracking of satellites and debris.
China is accelerating its efforts to independently monitor space traffic by launching a second satellite constellation aimed at tracking objects in orbit. The Xingyan, or Star Eye, network is designed to help commercial operators reduce collision risks while lessening the country’s reliance on foreign tracking data.
Once fully operational, the constellation will consist of 156 satellites capable of mapping satellite orbits, detecting unusual movements, and issuing collision alerts and maneuver recommendations every two hours. Its developer, Xingtu Cekong, a spin-off of the geospatial data leader Zhongke Xingtu based in Anhui, plans to launch 12 satellites by 2027, with the entire system expected to be active after 2028.Chinese spin-offs lead push in orbital monitoringXingtu Cekong plans for its network to provide updates every 30 minutes, offering global coverage in low Earth orbit and focused monitoring of higher orbits, said chairman and project leader Hu Yu in Beijing. Earlier, China launched Kaiyun-1, the first satellite of the Guangshi space situational awareness constellation, in September. The Guangshi system, operated by Beijing Kaiyun United – a separate spin-off of Zhongke Xingtu – will eventually include 24 satellites, enhancing the country’s ability to track orbiting objects and support both civilian and commercial space operations, the South China Morning Post reported. Currently, the US operates the only fully functional network for space monitoring: the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Programme, which uses five satellites in geosynchronous orbit to track other spacecraft and observe unusual activity.The idea of monitoring space activity emerged in the 1990s as a way to detect and track objects in orbit, from functioning satellites to fragments of debris, and anticipate their trajectories. Space situational awareness depends on a combination of ground-based radars and telescopes, along with space-based sensors observing both low and high Earth orbits. With thousands of new satellites launched annually, these systems have become critical for managing orbital traffic and preventing collisions.AI-enabled sensors to help prevent orbital collisionsSpace situational awareness technology is often seen as dual use: while it helps commercial operators avoid debris, the same data can track foreign satellites, detect unusual maneuvers, and inform military planning. Xingtu Cekong emphasized that the Xingyan constellation is primarily designed to support commercial space operations – each satellite will be equipped with a suite of cameras and sensors, including wide-field, infrared, and multispectral imagers, electromagnetic monitors, and onboard processors. Additionally, AI will analyze the data to identify potential risks and enable automated collision-avoidance, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency in orbit.The Chinese company also plans for its satellites to detect debris and other objects in orbit, determine their positions, and transmit the information to ground stations for analysis. After processing, the resulting guidance is sent back to the satellites, enabling them to adjust their paths, avoid collisions, and ultimately safeguard valuable space assets.
Constellation Defense &Amp Military Dual Use Satellites Space Xingtu Cekong
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