Debut of full-spectrum hyperspectral satellite to empower commercial aerospace innovation

A significant milestone in China's commercial aerospace sector, the recent successful launch and precise orbital insertion of the Xiguang-1 06 satellite reflect the development of China's industry, underscoring the robust support provided by the local government, experts said.

Developed by Xi'an Zhongke Xiguang Aerospace Technology Group Co Ltd, based in Xixian New Area of Shaanxi province, the satellite was launched aboard the Kuaizhou-11 Y7 carrier rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Gansu province.

As China's first and currently the only in-orbit commercial hyperspectral remote sensing satellite with full-spectrum coverage of the 400–2500 nanometers band, the satellite ushers in a new industry era of "full-spectrum precise perception".

Covering the visible to shortwave infrared bands with 26 independent spectral bands, the satellite managed to transmit clear images within 24 hours of entering orbit.

"The satellite functions as if it is performing CT scans on the planet. It doesn't just look at surface morphology, but can analyze material composition, monitor crop health and predict ecological hidden dangers," said Kou Yimin, chief engineer at Zhongke Xiguang Aerospace.

Supported by the Xi'an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the development team achieved independent control over core technologies, adopting an integrated design to significantly reduce weight, lower costs and shorten the development cycle.

The satellite's applications have already been implemented broadly. In Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, it monitors the growth of characteristic cash crops like tea and traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. In northwestern China's mining areas, it provides early warnings for geological disasters such as landslides, ensuring safe production.

Behind this single satellite's success is the collaborative support of an entire industrial chain. With Zhongke Xiguang Aerospace as the leading enterprise, Xixian New Area has built a complete commercial aerospace ecosystem encompassing upstream new materials, midstream core component manufacturing and downstream data application services.

In the upstream, Shaanxi Pulimei Material Technology Co Ltd focuses on aerospace composite materials.

"We specialize in aerospace-grade heat-resistant and structural materials, with multiple product performances reaching leading domestic levels," said Zhang Xinhang, chairman of the company.

For midstream manufacturing, Shaanxi Weixing Zhihang Technology Co Ltd possesses the capacity to produce 50,000 aerospace boards annually in its 100,000-class clean room. General Manager Zeng Xuan noted their products meet stringent aerospace standards and have supported multiple satellite models with a 100 percent qualification rate.

Downstream, Shaanxi Baota Xingkong Aerospace Technology Co Ltd operates the "Yan'an Constellation" and a big data center, providing standardized products for over 30 industries nationwide and boosting data interpretation efficiency by over 60 percent.

Such an achievement is inseparable from strong policy guarantees. Xixian New Area has rolled out measures to strengthen policy supply and financial empowerment to back up such projects. Currently, the area hosts 34 enterprises in the aerospace industry chain, achieving an output value of 5.69 billion yuan ($835.29 million) in 2025.

"The success of this satellite sets another benchmark for the new area to cultivate a more modernized industrial system with new quality productive forces," a spokesperson for Xixian New Area told China Daily.

"We will use this to accelerate the linkage of commercial aerospace, high-end equipment and new materials, contributing the 'Xixian experience' to China's high-quality manufacturing development."

renqi@chinadaily.com.cn