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Linking global IPs to empower the launch of the Xiguang-1 06 satellite (Dafo) for aerospace technology.
On October 23, 2025, in Leshan, Sichuan Province, Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics CAS Aerospace Science and Technology Group Co.,LTD and the Leshan Municipal People's Government held a deep cooperation event."Xiguang No. 1 06 Satellite (Dafo)" has officially set sail.It embarks on its aerospace mission to serve local communities and empower industries.
The ancient Buddha overlooks the landscape of Jiaozhou, witnessing the continuation of Chinese civilization; today, aerospace technology reaches for the heavens, leading the future of aerospace innovation.As an important component of the "Xiguang Series" constellation, the launch of "Dafu" is not only another major breakthrough for Xiguang Aerospace in the field of hyperspectral remote sensing technology, but also a vivid practice of implementing the "Aerospace Technology+" strategy and deeply integrating advanced space information technology into the regional development pattern.
At the launch ceremony, Zhang Guoqing, Vice Mayor of Leshan Municipal Government, pointed out: "'Dafo' project is an important achievement of Leshan's cooperation with the aerospace field, and a key measure for Leshan to promote technological innovation and empower high-quality development. The hyperspectral data obtained through this satellite can provide accurate information for urban planning, agricultural monitoring, ecological protection and other fields, build a more intelligent and efficient digital intelligent system, and seize the commanding heights of future development. It will allow science and technology to be deeply integrated with culture, and allow aerospace technology to truly serve urban governance and industrial development."
Space-based intelligent vision surveys the vast expanse; precise spectral analysis identifies all phenomena.
The "Xiguang-1 06 Satellite (Dafu)" was independently developed by Xiguang Aerospace of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and is equipped with a hyperspectral imager with internationally leading technology. Compared with traditional optical satellites, it integrates high spectral resolution, high spatial resolution and multi-spectral band collaborative observation capabilities, and has the ability to finely identify and quantitatively analyze the attributes of ground objects. It can be called a "space-based intelligent eye" that overlooks the earth and observes all things.
Qin Jing, Chairman of Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics CAS Aerospace Science and Technology Group Co.,LTD, said at the ceremony:It is a great honor to witness the cross-border collaboration between the Leshan Giant Buddha, a world-class cultural heritage IP, and modern commercial aerospace IP, launching a cross-border expedition of a world-class cultural symbol and an epic space journey, which is also the strongest cross-border integration of cultural tourism landmark and aerospace technology.The successful development of the "Dafu" satellite is a concentrated demonstration of the technological strength of CAS Xi'an Optics & Light Technology Co., Ltd. It will provide Leshan and even Sichuan with unprecedentedly precise spatiotemporal information, driving a leap forward in capabilities across multiple fields. The satellite can monitor vegetation dynamics in real time, aiding forestry protection and ecological restoration; accurately identify high-value economic crops through hyperspectral imagery, empowering agricultural insurance and optimizing planting structures; conduct geological environment monitoring, supporting mineral resource exploration and pollution control; and conduct water quality monitoring, tracking water quality changes in key water areas and providing scientific basis for river and lake management and ecological protection.
At the ceremony, CAS Xi'an Aerospace simultaneously released the "Sichuan Hyperspectral One-Map" demonstration achievement based on hyperspectral data, transforming cutting-edge satellite technology into a perceptible, understandable, and operable visualization application. This move establishes a closed loop from "space-based infrastructure" to "ground services," enabling aerospace technology to truly benefit the people and integrate into the public service system.
Xiguang Series Brocade Embroidery, Tianji Service Benefits All Nations
Meanwhile, Li Zhizhong, an academician of the International Academy of Astronautics and an expert at the SCO Satellite Remote Sensing Application Center, pointed out that hyperspectral remote sensing is currently at the forefront of international Earth observation technology and has broad application prospects. "The launch of the 'Giant Buddha' satellite is not only a small step for Leshan, but also a giant leap for the deep integration of China's commercial aerospace with the local economy," said Academician Li. He added that with the networking and operation of more similar satellites, China's digitalization level in areas such as precision agriculture, urban management, and disaster early warning will be further enhanced. From "Stars Shining over Leshan" to "Reaching for the Heavens"; from "The Giant Buddha Guarding the Sky" to "Satellite Sky Survey," Leshan is forging a unique path of high-quality development, rooted in culture and powered by science and technology.
Financial resources nourish the real economy; the integration of industry and finance usher in a new chapter.
The collaboration on the "Dafo" satellite represents another successful partnership between Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics CAS Aerospace Science and Technology Group Co.,LTD and financial capital and local government. The company not only focuses on satellite development but also strives to build a space data application service ecosystem and industrial cluster. With the support of China Commercial Fund and Inamori Capital, which specialize in commercial aerospace investment, Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics CAS Aerospace Science and Technology Group Co.,LTD has pioneered a new paradigm of "finance + industry" collaboration—"technology pays tribute to culture, data empowers industry"—by integrating Leshan's rich cultural heritage with cutting-edge aerospace technology.
In an interview, Qin Jing, Chairman and General Manager of Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics CAS Aerospace Science and Technology Group Co.,LTD, stated, "Our cooperation with Leshan goes beyond simple satellite naming. With the joint efforts of partners such as China Commercial Fund and Inamori Capital, we aim to build a complete aerospace information industry chain ecosystem covering satellite development, data processing, and industry applications. Guided by the 'Dafu' satellite, Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics CAS Aerospace Science and Technology Group Co.,LTD and its partners will deeply participate in the construction of Leshan's aerospace information industry, leveraging the advantages of our overall unit, adhering to the principle of financial empowerment of industry, and jointly building Leshan into a highland for the aerospace information industry in southwestern Sichuan."
Technology as the backbone, culture as the veins, the fusion of the ancient and the modern to create a magnificent chapter.
The launch ceremony was uniquely designed, themed "Framed with the Giant Buddha," creating a dialogue between technology and humanity under the gaze of the millennium-old Buddha. Following the unveiling of the satellite model, Zhang Guoqing, Vice Mayor of Leshan City, presented the launch flag to Qin Jing, Chairman of CAS Xiguang Aerospace, and Wen Su, Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, announced the official departure of the research and development team. The team then boarded a boat and solemnly swore an oath before the Leshan Giant Buddha, symbolizing the official launch of the satellite carrying the name of Leshan into the heavens.
The launch of "Xiguang-1 06 Satellite (Dafu)" marks a crucial step forward in the national strategic layout of CAS Xiguang Aerospace. In the future, it will continue to leverage its technological advantages in hyperspectral remote sensing, accelerate the network construction of the "Xiguang Series" satellite constellation, and continuously expand the breadth and depth of satellite data applications in key areas of the national economy, such as smart agriculture, ecological and environmental protection, smart cities, and emergency disaster relief. With its solid aerospace technological strength, it will serve national strategies and empower various industries.