GalaxySpace Launches "One Rocket, Four Satellites," Forming World's First Wheel-Formation Satellite Constellation

At 6:50 PM on March 30, 2023, China successfully launched four Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) satellites developed by GalaxySpace — the Hongtu-1 01 satellite group — using a Long March-2D carrier rocket in a "one rocket, four satellites" configuration from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. The satellites entered their planned orbit and the mission was completed successfully.

The four satellites in this mission consist of one primary satellite and three auxiliary satellites, forming the world's first four-satellite formation-flying X-band InSAR Earth imaging system. In orbit, they constitute the world's first wheel-shaped satellite formation. The primary satellite weighs approximately 320 kg, while each auxiliary satellite weighs approximately 270 kg.

As the world's first wheel-shaped satellite formation, the four satellites resemble a wheel flying through space — the primary satellite sits at the center, with three auxiliary satellites evenly distributed along the rim. Using inter-satellite communication links and phase synchronization links, and with the auxiliary satellites positioned only a few hundred meters from the primary satellite, precise orbital control ensures the stability and spatial safety of the formation. Compared to traditional interferometric satellite systems, the wheel formation offers advantages of relatively stable configuration, multiple interferometric baselines, and high mapping efficiency.

According to available information, this satellite group is capable of 1:50,000 scale mapping of non-polar regions worldwide, enabling rapid and efficient high-precision land mapping across the globe. It offers millimeter-level deformation monitoring capability, providing data support for the survey and prevention of ground subsidence, collapse, landslides, and other disasters — a powerful tool for early identification of major geological hazards in complex areas. It also features sub-meter high-resolution wide-swath imaging capability, enabling high-quality all-weather, day-and-night Earth observation. Overall, its technology reaches an internationally leading level.

For the small-batch production of civilian SAR satellites, GalaxySpace significantly improved development efficiency through digital simulation, automated testing, and process optimization during the satellite design, integration, and launch site testing phases — reducing development time by more than 60% compared to conventional timelines.

GalaxySpace's four InSAR satellites

Through the batch production of these four SAR satellites, GalaxySpace validated its capabilities in vertical supply chain integration. All components and subsystems involved in the satellites are independently controllable, and by continuously integrating industrial manufacturing systems, the company is building a new commercial aerospace industry ecosystem and accelerating space infrastructure development.

Going forward, GalaxySpace will accelerate technological innovation and low-cost satellite mass production. As more types of satellites are launched, the company will drive the construction of intelligent space information networks integrating communications, computing, and sensing capabilities — steadily advancing toward an era of ubiquitous high-speed, integrated space-ground networks.