For nearly five years, a mysterious Chinese satellite called Xinjishu Yanzheng-7 (XJY-7) quietly orbited the Earth. Very little was known about its mission, aside from it being a test of new technology. Recently, an Australian company, High Earth Orbit Robotics (HEO), captured images of the satellite, shedding light on its design and purpose for the first time.
On Monday, HEO shared the images, showcasing the XJY-7’s large dish antenna and two solar panels. Using a network of satellites, they created a 3D model that gave us a closer look at this secretive spacecraft. This development is a testament to how far satellite imaging technology has come, allowing us to peek into the unknown realms of space.
The XJY-7 was launched in December 2020 aboard China’s Long March 8 rocket. While it was labeled a “technology verification satellite” by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CAST), its specific functions remained a mystery.
On October 16, the satellite reentered Earth’s atmosphere over the Canary Islands. Marco Langbroek, a satellite tracker, reported seeing a bright, slow-moving fireball and recorded sonic booms from the event, which confirmed it as the reentry of artificial debris.
Before its return, HEO was able to pinpoint the XJY-7’s location in space. They employed high-frequency imaging technology, analyzing multiple angles to ascertain its features. They confirmed it as a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite, capable of taking high-resolution images of the Earth, rain or shine. SAR technology is crucial for tasks such as mapping and monitoring large infrastructure projects, as well as for defense applications.
China’s approach to space has often been shrouded in secrecy. Recently, they launched the Shijian-25 satellite to test new refueling technologies, although details about its mission remain unclear. The rapid advancements in China’s aerospace sector have prompted interest and concern globally.
As technology like satellite-on-satellite imaging continues to improve, insights into previously unknown spacecraft will likely become more common, sparking discussions about transparency in space exploration.
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