Post by : Bianca
Haleem
On Wednesday, China conducted a successful sea-based launch, sending two AI-enhanced hyperspectral remote sensing satellites into orbit using the Smart Dragon-3 rocket. This mission successfully positioned Dongfang Huiyan Satellite 01 and Satellite 02 into their designated orbits.
The launch occurred at 10:38 AM from the waters near Haiyang in Shandong Province. As stated by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT), this represents the fourth launch of the Smart Dragon-3 in 2026 and marks its 12th mission overall.
Achieving a Milestone with Smart Dragon-3
CALT reported enhancements in pre-launch testing and launch communication systems, bolstering the overall reliability of the mission. Further, the team optimized assembly and testing protocols, enabling more efficient production and quicker delivery of rocket parts, contributing to reduced preparation periods prior to launch.
Continuous improvements in standardized rocket designs are aimed at boosting manufacturing efficiency; all while successfully facilitating the satellite launch and constellation setup.
Since its inaugural flight, Smart Dragon-3 has been committed to advancing China's commercial space initiatives by facilitating swift launches, frequent deployments, cost control, and dependable performance. The rocket team plans ongoing system upgrades to offer users enhanced commercial launch solutions.
AI Satellites Enhance Earth Monitoring
The Dongfang Huiyan Hyperspectral 01 and 02 satellites were created by Wuhan University with assistance from STAR.AI Spatio-temporal Intelligence Technology Co., Ltd.
These satellites are designed to monitor:
- Water quality
- Suspended materials in water
- Vegetation and agricultural outputs
- Mineral resources
The data obtained will bolster sectors such as agriculture, forestry, water management, and mining.
These fresh satellites will complement the operational Dongfang Huiyan High Resolution 01 satellite, forming an integrated observational setup that blends both general and detailed surveys. The initiative also sets out to validate a novel method that integrates hyperspectral remote sensing with AI technology.
Onboard AI Facilitates Rapid Data Analysis
STAR.AI notes that the satellites benefit from AI technology provided by Star Vision Aerospace Group Ltd, a pioneering aerospace firm from Hangzhou involved in the international Dongfang Huiyan project.
Each satellite houses 22 hyperspectral channels along with onboard AI analysis capabilities. This advancement enables the satellites to interpret and analyze data in real-time while in orbit, significantly cutting down processing durations from days to mere minutes.
According to the company, this innovation transitions the satellites from mere data collection devices to intelligent systems capable of understanding and acting upon information in space, marking a significant change in how we observe Earth.
Emphasizing International Collaboration
The two satellites have also been assigned international names:
- Samarkand-2028, recognizing partnerships with the Uzbekistan Space Agency.
- Lampung-1, celebrating the collaboration with Indonesia's Lampung Province.
According to STAR.AI, partners from Uzbekistan and Indonesia were instrumental in developing onboard AI algorithms and will play crucial roles in utilizing the satellite data, contributing to the broader satellite ecosystem.
Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was present to witness the launch live, extending congratulations to all participants. Indonesian officials were also in attendance for the event.
China's Rapid Launches Continue
This launch represents China's second sea-based orbital mission within a fortnight.
Previously, on July 22, the Gravity-1 rocket developed by ORIENSPACE successfully lifted off from the East China Sea, placing nine satellites into orbit while conducting an experimental payload mission, marking the first offshore launch from a private commercial entity in China.
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