China launched the world's first 'self-driving' satellites.

Science and Technology

In November 2024, China successfully launched the world's first 'self-driving' satellites, developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), which is a part of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). This launch marked a significant achievement in China’s commercial space program. It was also the 547th mission of the Long March series of rockets.


      - The two satellites, named Siwei Gaojing-2 03 and Gaojing-2 04, were launched aboard a Long March-2C rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre (JSLC) in northwest China.

      - These satellites will provide high-resolution radar images that can be captured all day and in all weather conditions.

      - These satellites are designed to change or maintain their flight paths on their own, without needing help from ground control. This innovation will revolutionize surveying and mapping in space.

Main Point :-   (i) The satellites, developed by SAST, feature advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology and high-precision radar tools, enabling 100-meter orbital accuracy and formation flying with precision better than 1 meter.

      (ii) The goal of this project is to build a network of at least 28 satellites to provide comprehensive Earth observation data for various industries and uses.

(iii) China's space advancements include the constellation set to be fully operational by 2025, the Ludi Tance 4-01 (world's first geosynchronous orbit SAR satellite) launched in August 2023, and plans to send a humanoid robot to the moon in 2028.
About China

PM : Li Qiang
President: Xi Jinping
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