The launch ceremony for Xiguang-1 02 satellite (Tanli) was successfully held.

Launch ceremony of Tuxiguang-1 02 satellite (Tanli)

Hyperspectral remote sensing satellites: Leading a revolution in space technology

Xiguang-1 02 (Tanli) is a hyperspectral remote sensing experimental satellite independently developed by Xiguang Aerospace, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Equipped with a multispectral camera, it can accurately capture subtle spectral differences in surface materials. Hyperspectral remote sensing, through imaging in hundreds of continuous narrow bands, enables fine identification of ground features, and will be primarily applied to mineral exploration. It also has revolutionary significance in environmental monitoring, agricultural yield estimation, and disaster early warning. Future development will focus on validating new payload technologies and accumulating crucial data for subsequent constellation deployment.

Technology Going Global: Empowering Global Sustainable Development

This launch ceremony not only marks another crucial step in the construction of the Xiguang-1 satellite constellation, but also the starting point for CAS Xiguang Aerospace's "technology going global" strategy. In her address, Chairman Qin Jing stated, "The successful development of Xiguang-1 02 satellite signifies a new technological breakthrough and verification in the field of hyperspectral remote sensing. In the future, we will leverage the 'Belt and Road' cooperation framework to address global challenges such as climate change and food security."

In the picture, Qin Jing, Chairman of Kexi Optoelectronics, delivers a speech.

Li Zhizhong, an academician of the International Academy of Astronautics, further pointed out that hyperspectral remote sensing technology can accurately monitor environmental indicators such as carbon emissions and forest degradation, providing scientific support for the global carbon neutrality goal.

Photo: Speech by Li Zhizhong, Academician of the International Academy of Astronautics and Executive Director of the China Association for Remote Sensing Applications

Departure Ceremony: Government and Enterprises Collaborate to Build the Space Dream

At the ceremony, government leaders, academicians, experts, and enterprise representatives jointly participated in the satellite launch ceremony. Zhang Wenhua, a second-level inspector of the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Science and Technology, emphasized in his speech: “As a benchmark enterprise in Shaanxi's commercial aerospace industry, CAS Xi'an Aerospace's technological breakthroughs demonstrate the independent innovation vitality of our province's aerospace industry. The Provincial Department of Science and Technology will actively implement national initiatives, fully build an innovation ecosystem, provide enterprises with innovation platforms and policy services, and focus on creating a high ground for the innovative development of the commercial aerospace industry, promoting Shaanxi's construction of a ‘strong aerospace province’ to a new height.”

Photo: Speech by Zhang Wenhua, Second-Level Inspector of the Shaanxi Provincial Department of Science and Technology

At the event, Zhang Wei, Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the Management Committee of Xi'an Airport New City, presented the Xi'an Xiguang No. 1 02 satellite launch flag to CAS Xiguang Aerospace, which reads "The Sky is the Curtain for the Journey Begins." He also presented CAS Xiguang Aerospace with the honorary plaque for the Greenhouse Gas Satellite Remote Sensing Monitoring Innovation Research Center and the honorary plaque for the "Technology Going Global" aerospace chain leader among Airport New City technology enterprises. This initiative supports the pilot construction of the low-carbon and near-zero-carbon Airport New City park in Shaanxi Province and lays a technological foundation for subsequent constellation construction and business expansion overseas.

Photo: Zhang Wei, Party Secretary and Director of the Management Committee of Xi'an Airport New City

Presenting the departure ceremony flag to CAS Xiguang Aerospace

Qin Jing, Chairman of CAS Xiguang Aerospace, stated that the successful development of the Xiguang-1 02 satellite marks a new technological breakthrough and verification in my country's hyperspectral remote sensing field. CAS Xiguang Aerospace will continue to build three major hyperspectral constellations consisting of 158 satellites, ultimately achieving the goal of creating "China's largest, most comprehensive, user-friendly, and practical hyperspectral remote sensing satellite constellation."

Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics CAS Aerospace Science and Technology Group Co.,LTD will soon join hands with France to jointly build the "China-France Joint-Methane Emission Satellite Remote Sensing Monitoring Laboratory" to promote the in-depth application of remote sensing data in smart cities, marine monitoring and other scenarios. The Xiguang-1 02 satellite will serve as the first carrier of this cooperation, becoming a pioneer in Shaanxi's commercial aerospace "technology going global" and building a new bridge for international cooperation. The Xiguang-1 02 satellite (Tanli) was launched in just eight months from project initiation and feasibility study to delivery, demonstrating the "Shaanxi speed" and "airport efficiency" in the commercial aerospace field.

Application Prospects: Unlocking the Potential of a Hundred Billion Yuan Market

The application value of hyperspectral remote sensing technology far exceeds the scope of traditional remote sensing. In agriculture, it enables precise fertilization and pest and disease early warning through crop spectral characteristics; in environmental protection, it allows for real-time monitoring of atmospheric pollutant composition and diffusion paths; and in mineral monitoring, it can identify geological information and categories. After entering orbit, the Xiguang-1 02 satellite will work in conjunction with the nine satellites already launched and in orbit to build a high-resolution remote sensing network covering the Belt and Road Initiative, providing customized data services to global clients. It is estimated that the implementation of this technology will unlock a value chain worth hundreds of billions of yuan.

The diagram shows the 158 constellation plan of KOSI Space Technology.

Looking to the future: Building a commercial space ecosystem

Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics CAS Aerospace Science and Technology Group Co.,LTD plans to complete the network deployment of 158 satellites by 2030, forming a fusion observation system of "hyperspectral + multi-source remote sensing". The company will also establish a joint laboratory with international research institutions to promote the in-depth application of remote sensing data in agriculture, forestry, water bodies, minerals, and carbon sequestration. With the accelerated pace of technology going global, China's commercial aerospace industry is shifting from "following" to "running alongside," injecting "Chinese wisdom" into global sustainable development.