Gaofen

Gaofen is a family of Chinese earth observation satellites developed by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) and produced by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). The program is part of the High-resolution Earth Observation System (CHEOS) and is intended to provide high-resolution imagery for civilian applications such as land resource management, urban planning, agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster response, while also contributing to national security needs.

The Gaofen fleet includes both optical and radar imaging platforms. Optical satellites capture high-resolution visible and near-infrared imagery for detailed mapping and change detection, whereas radar satellites offer all-weather, day-and-night imaging capabilities. The constellation is designed to deliver data from multiple orbital planes to improve revisit times and support rapid response to events and monitoring needs.

The first mission, Gaofen-1, was launched in 2013, establishing China’s capability for routine high-resolution earth observation. Since then, additional Gaofen satellites have entered service, expanding both optical and radar capabilities and broadening data access for government agencies, researchers, and other users. The program is linked with CHEOS data-sharing initiatives and supported by a growing domestic sensing industry.

In the broader context, Gaofen serves as a central element of China’s space-based geospatial infrastructure, supporting national planning, resource management, disaster risk reduction, environmental surveillance, and scientific research. It also positions China within the global remote sensing landscape by developing advanced imaging capabilities and expanding data availability for international partners and commercial users.