Geovis Insighter Technology to Launch 144 Satellites for Space Awareness

A Chinese company, Geovis Insighter Technology Co. Ltd., has announced plans to deploy a constellation of 144 space situational awareness (SSA) satellites in low-Earth orbit. During the International Astronautical Congress in Sydney, Australia, Dan Luo, the executive vice president of Geovis, outlined the ambitious project, which aims to enhance monitoring of space objects.

The first phase involves launching two experimental satellites in April 2024, followed by an additional twelve SSA satellites expected to be operational by the end of 2026. These satellites will orbit at an altitude of 1,200 kilometers, targeting objects in space that move between 300 and 2,000 kilometers above Earth. Furthermore, the project includes deploying additional satellites in very low Earth orbit (VLEO), which will allow for closer observation despite higher fuel costs. “Operating satellites in VLEO will cost a lot of fuel, but we are going to observe objects in much lower orbits,” Luo explained.

Founded in 2006, Geovis Insighter Technology Co. was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2024. Before embarking on this satellite constellation, the company provided SSA software solutions to the Chinese government. With the new satellite network, Geovis aims to offer vital data services to commercial enterprises, enhancing the overall landscape of space situational awareness.

Luo’s announcement coincided with a session titled “Policy, Legal, Institutional, Economic and Security Aspects of Debris Mitigation, Debris Remediation and Space Traffic Management” at the congress. During this session, Yuqi Shen, a PhD candidate at the Beijing Institute of Technology and a visiting researcher at Leiden University, discussed China’s evolving approach to space traffic coordination (STC). According to Shen, China emphasizes a comprehensive strategy based on enhanced communication among satellite operators rather than relying solely on new international treaties.

“We need to increase transparency and information sharing, and we need to improve international interoperability,” Shen stated. He highlighted that the success of STC ultimately hinges on trust and effective communication between national systems.

In terms of infrastructure, China is working on establishing a national space traffic management system that will contribute data to global STC efforts. Shen noted China’s growing expertise in space debris removal, exemplified by the successful operation of the Shijian-21 satellite, which maneuvered a defunct Beidou-2 G2 navigation satellite into a designated graveyard orbit.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain within China’s STC framework. Key issues include defining essential information for operators to share and assessing the intent behind various space operations. Shen remarked, “The same maneuver can have both civil and military explanations,” underscoring the complexity of space activities.

As the landscape of space exploration continues to evolve, the establishment of clear rules regarding space traffic data distribution and codes of conduct will be critical. The forthcoming satellite constellation from Geovis Insighter Technology represents a significant step in addressing the growing need for enhanced space situational awareness and coordination among multiple stakeholders in the industry.