Changguang Satellite Technology Looking Into Non-Earth Imaging
Jilin-1, an Earth imaging constellation, may be upgraded to provide images of orbiting spacecraft.
Changguang Satellite Technology Co Ltd (长光卫星技术股份有限公司), a commercial operator of ~130 Earth imaging satellites and previously sanctioned by the U.S. government, shared an image of the International Space Station on October 16th, captured back on October 1st at a distance of 305 kilometers.
Alongside the image, the company provided some details on how it used the Earth imaging constellation for non-Earth imaging (NEI). As a first step, operations teams calculated points in a satellite’s orbit where the target object will pass close by, then orienting into the correct direction for imaging. Afterwards, the location of the sun was figured out to understand lighting conditions. Finally, imaging equipment onboard a Jilin-1 satellite will capture images across a handful of settings for several seconds as the target passes by.
To conclude the statement released with the image, Changguang Satellite Technology detailed that they are pursuing NEI capabilities, with them stating:
“As a major player in China’s commercial remote sensing satellite sector, Changguang Satellite has consistently focused on high-resolution, high-agility, and NEI-related technologies. It actively contributes ‘Chinese solutions’ that combine technical depth with broad applicability to global Earth observation and space situational awareness domains. Future domestically developed Earth observation satellite constellations will also feature enhanced NEI and space situational awareness capabilities.”
If there are any problems with this translation please reach out and correct me.
With the company saying that they plan to further develop NEI capabilities, it may seek a funding round in the near future to finance improvements to future additions of the Jilin-1 (吉林一号) constellation. Improvements may include better imaging sensors and more substantial propulsion systems, which would allow for more controlled imaging conditions.
Potential customers for NEI capabilities may be satellite operators that want to analyse their spacecraft’s status in orbit, and the Chinese government, wanting to do the same or to understand foreign satellites.
Over the years, Jilin-1 satellites have unintentionally imaged the International Space Station before, with it being a recurring ‘artifact’ that has to be removed in usable image sets.
Just over a month ago, Changguang Satellite Technology released its first set of NEI images, having spotted one of Maxar’s Worldview Legion 2 spacecraft. Those images may have been shared after Maxar captured Shijian-26 (实践二十六号) in July.
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