China launches its first commercial radio-tracking satellites in electronic warfare leap

AI Summary

China launched nine satellites from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre, including three radio-tracking Diting-01 satellites, marking a significant advancement in space-based electronic warfare capabilities. These developments enhance China’s strategic and electronic warfare assets.

China has just taken a quiet but critical step in space-based electronic warfare. A Lijian-1 Y18 rocket lifted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northern China at noon on Sunday, carrying nine satellites. Among them were three Diting-01 satellites, which successfully entered their planned orbit. The trio is named after Diting, a beast from Chinese mythology that crouches beneath the desk of Ksitigarbha, the bodhisattva of the underworld, and can identify all things simply by...