China launched the Haishao-1 satellite aboard a Kuaizhou 1A carrier rocket at 12:46 PM on Dec. 4 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. The satellite was sent into its preset orbit, marking a significant milestone as China’s first ultra-low-Earth-orbit Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite.

Operating in a 43° low-inclination orbit at an altitude of just 350 kilometers, the Haishao-1 satellite significantly improves observation efficiency in low-latitude regions. The satellite enables integrated optical-SAR collaborative observations, making it a highly versatile tool for remote sensing applications.

The satellite is equipped with an advanced X-band multi-polarization SAR payload, enabling sub-meter resolution and wide-swath microwave imaging. Supporting multiple imaging modes—single, dual, quad, and compact polarization—Haishao-1 ensures versatility across various remote sensing tasks. Remarkably, by utilizing innovative materials and a lightweight design, the SAR payload weighs less than 80 kg, achieving a balance between efficiency and performance.

The SAR payload on the Haishao-1 satellite was developed by the Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The satellite program itself is a collaborative effort, bringing together the specialized expertise of AIR, the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of CAS, the Hainan Space Innovation Technology Center, and Zhongke Satellite Technology Group Co., Ltd.

The Haishao-1 satellite is expected to provide critical remote sensing data that will support emergency disaster relief, land management, water resource monitoring, and marine environment surveillance.