The move cements Beijing's transition from isolated experiments to the systematic deployment of large-scale satellite arrays in ultra-low Earth orbits. The decision was made after that, as test machines have demonstrated the ability to operate stably at lower altitudes for long periods of time 300 kilometers.
Work in ultra-low orbits (150–300 km) opens critical advantages for China's space industry: Super high resolution: A shorter distance to the Earth's surface allows obtaining detailed optical and radar images with lower costs for optics. Minimal signal delay: Orbital proximity significantly accelerates broadband data transmission and communications. Energy efficiency: Lower power transmitters are required for signal transmission and scanning. Environmental friendliness of the orbit: After completing the mission, the devices quickly leave the orbit and burn up in the atmosphere, without creating persistent space debris.
The main obstacle for spacecraft in the VLEO zone is atmospheric drag. At this height, the air is still quite dense, to slow satellites, causing them to fall. To overcome this barrier, Chinese developers successfully implemented two innovations: aerodynamic design and air intake plasma engines.
Thanks to that, that the satellites are projected in the form of elongated spheres, air resistance is minimized. An example was the test apparatus "Chutyan-001». Air intake plasma engines (Air-Breathing Propulsion) – developed by scientists from Fudan University. These propulsion systems, capture residual nitrogen and oxygen directly from the rarefied atmosphere and use them as fuel for constant orbit correction.
The launch of the alliance comes against the background of China's aggressive expansion in space. The state corporation CASIC plans to withdraw the first within the framework of the Chutyan project 300 VLEO satellites for high-precision reconnaissance and telecommunications. This creates direct competition with Western developments. In the US and Europe, similar VLEO technologies are now being actively tested by companies such as Albedo and Redwire (under DARPA contract), as well as the US Space Force and NASA.
Source: https://spacenews.com