China unveiled a program on Wednesday for a new-generation space situational awareness constellation, aimed at creating a globally covered and rapidly responsive monitoring network in near-Earth orbit to enhance space environment safety.
The constellation, named "EYESAT", will consist of 156 satellites, with launches scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026.
The satellites will be equipped with wide-field cameras, infrared cameras, imaging cameras, electromagnetic monitoring devices, multispectral cameras, computing units, and intelligent processing software.
Once fully operational, the system will detect, track, identify and catalog on-orbit satellites, while also monitoring space debris. By analyzing satellite orbital data and predicting collision risks, it will provide precise and efficient data services for space traffic management .
This capability is designed to effectively address the growing challenges of space traffic congestion and debris risks, thereby ensuring greater safety for space operations.
"The primary function of the space awareness constellation is to collect data from both space debris and operating satellites. The data will be analyzed and offered to active satellites in orbit to prevent them from colliding with one another, or with debris," said Hu Yu, head of the EYESAT space situational awareness constellation program.
China unveils new-gen space situational awareness constellation for space traffic management
China unveils new-gen space situational awareness constellation for space traffic management
