China launches first commercial satellite constellation to monitor space debris

China has launched its first commercial constellation dedicated to monitoring space debris, comprising a network of 120 satellites designed to provide round-the-clock surveillance of objects in various orbits. The initiative aims to strengthen space traffic management capabilities and address the growing risks posed by increasing orbital debris.

The first satellite in the "Gande" constellation was launched last Friday aboard a commercial Lijian-1 rocket from northwestern China. Chief constellation engineer Fan Wei said the launch marks a significant step in closing the gap in China's commercial space debris monitoring capabilities and boosting orbital tracking and surveillance operations.

Phased deployment of the constellation

Fan Wei noted that the space company AT Moto Technology will implement the constellation project in three phases, with full deployment expected before 2030. The first phase, named "LX 630," involves launching 14 satellites to monitor and catalogue targets in low, medium, and high Earth orbits.

The second phase will add 36 satellites equipped with high-resolution imaging devices and electromagnetic environment sensors. The third phase will see the launch of 70 satellites powered by artificial intelligence to identify space objects, analyze their movements, and make autonomous decisions.

Rising risks from space debris

Chinese spacecraft face increasing risks of collisions with orbital debris as rocket and satellite launches become more frequent. It is estimated that there are over one million pieces of space debris larger than one centimeter, each capable of posing a significant threat due to their high velocities, which can reach about 7.9 kilometers per second in orbit.