"Commercial Spaceflight + Geology and Mineral Resources" | Xiguang-2 01 Satellite (Caiyun Hyperspectral 01 Satellite) Launched

On May 13, Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics CAS Aerospace Science and Technology Group Co.,LTD (hereinafter referred to as "Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics CAS Aerospace Science and Technology Group Co.,LTD") held a launch ceremony for the Xiguang-2 01 satellite (Caiyun Hyperspectral 01 satellite) in the Airport New City of Xixian New Area, Shaanxi Province. This quantitative hyperspectral intelligent computing satellite, independently developed by Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics CAS Aerospace Science and Technology Group Co.,LTD, was officially launched and is scheduled to be launched in mid-2026.

Xiguang-2 01 satellite (Caiyun Hyperspectral 01 satellite) is the first satellite of the "Quantitative Hyperspectral Intelligent Computing Constellation" of CAS Xiguang Aerospace, and also the first satellite of the CAS Xiguang Aerospace and...Zhejiang LaboratoryThe first satellite in the joint construction of the "Three-Body Computing Constellation" is also the first satellite in the cooperation between CAS Xiguang Aerospace and Yunnan Geological and Mineral Resources under the theme of "commercial aerospace integration with geological and mineral resources".

[Photo: Qin Jing, Chairman of Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics CAS Aerospace Science and Technology Group Co.,LTD, delivers a speech]

At the launch ceremony, Qin Jing, Chairman of Xiguang Aerospace, introduced that the Xiguang-2 01 satellite (Caiyun Hyperspectral 01 satellite) is equipped with a hyperspectral optical payload, a panchromatic optical payload, and an on-orbit intelligent processing payload. It is positioned as "artificial intelligence + commercial aerospace + quantitative remote sensing", breaking through the bottleneck of traditional remote sensing "sky-sensing and ground-computing" and achieving three major technological leaps.

First, high-precision quantitative imaging: from "seeing" to "understanding".

The Xiguang-2 01 satellite (Caiyun Hyperspectral 01 satellite) is equipped with advanced hyperspectral and panchromatic optical payloads, possessing high spectral resolution, fine spatial resolution, and multi-source data fusion capabilities. It can accurately capture the "spectral fingerprint" of surface materials, directly identify key information such as mineral composition, vegetation growth, and water pollution, achieving "identifying materials at a glance and understanding the whole picture from a single image," allowing remote sensing to go directly from imaging to analysis.

Second, on-orbit intelligent computing: from "sky-sensing and ground-based computing" to "sky-based data processing and computing".

The Xiguang-2 01 satellite (Caiyun Hyperspectral 01 satellite) carries an on-orbit intelligent processing payload, breaking through traditional bottlenecks and realizing "data acquisition, processing, and decision-making in space." Timeliness has been greatly improved, transmission pressure has been significantly reduced, and space-based information has transformed from "after-the-fact" to "early-stage."

Third, efficient global observation: from "single-point coverage" to "full-area monitoring".

The Xiguang-2 01 satellite (Caiyun Hyperspectral 01 satellite) operates in a 535-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit with a 4-day revisit cycle, covering latitudes from 80°N to 80°S. It can conduct high-frequency, routine monitoring of key areas. Mineral exploration, ecological protection, urban governance—one satellite can handle dynamic needs across the entire region.

Photo: Launch ceremony of Xiguang-2 01 satellite (Caiyun Hyperspectral 01 satellite)

At the launch ceremony, Qin Jing, Chairman of Xiguang Aerospace, stated, "The Xiguang-2 01 satellite (Caiyun Hyperspectral 01 satellite) is not only a leap forward in single-satellite intelligence, but also marks the beginning of a new journey for the commercialization of intelligent space constellations, on-orbit intelligent computing, and space computing power services, setting a new benchmark for the hyperspectral remote sensing industry. We will take this as a starting point to steadily advance the networking of quantitative hyperspectral intelligent computing constellations, build an integrated, fully autonomous space-based intelligent computing system encompassing 'space sensing, data collection, computing, and application,' and promote Shaanxi to become a national innovation hub for the hyperspectral remote sensing and space computing power industry."