PLA Expands Network of Military Reconnaissance Satellites
Russell Hsiao, “PLA Expands Network of Military Reconnaissance Satellites,” Jamestown Foundation China Brief, Vol. 10, No. 17 (19 August 2010).
On August 9, China launched the remote sensing satellite Yaogan-10 (military designation: Jianbing) into orbit from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. … This event marks the sixth Chinese launch this year via the CZ-4C Chang Zheng-4C (Long March) launch vehicle and follows a surge in satellite launches that appear to reflect the Chinese determination to beef up its reconnaissance satellite network and end its dependence upon foreign satellite systems. …
The development of a space-based SAR system has been a priority for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Such a system is considered a critical component to the PLA’s effort in achieving information dominance in future warfare. According to Andrew Erickson, associate professor at the China Maritime Studies Institute at the U.S. Naval War College, “Synthetic Aperture Radar [SAR] in particular offers wide coverage at sufficient resolution. Maritime surveillance, prioritized at the national level under China’s 863 State High-Technology Development Plan, is receiving significant funding” (Asia Times, April 22).
“Of particular note are the five Yaogan satellites that China has launched in the past five months. Yaogan-7 and 8 were launched in December. Yaogan-7 is optical and Yaogan-8 appears to be equipped with SAR,” said Erickson. “Yaogan 9A, 9B, and 9C, launched in March, share the same orbit, suggesting that they have a special mission to perform” (Asia Times, April 22). …
