China successfully orbited nine satellites, including a significant environmental observation craft for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and a pioneering power grid monitoring satellite, following the launch of a Lijian-1 carrier rocket, also known as Kinetica-1 Y11, on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. The launch, which took place at 12:03 p.m. Beijing Time from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone near the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China, marked a notable advance in both China’s domestic utility monitoring capabilities and its continued collaboration in international space initiatives. All satellites were successfully placed into their intended orbits.
New Era for Power Grid Monitoring
A key component of the payload was Jixing High-Resolution 07D01, China’s first remote-sensing satellite dedicated specifically to the nation’s power industry. Designed for highly precise infrastructure surveillance, this sophisticated satellite boasts a spatial resolution finer than 0.5 meters.
The precision offered by the new spacecraft enables detailed structural health monitoring of critical power grid components, such as transmission lines and towers. According to the State Grid Electric Power Engineering Research Institute, one of the satellite’s developers, the Jixing system is engineered for continuous, long-strip observations. In a single pass, it can survey over 200 kilometers of transmission corridor, offering a game-changing capability for maintenance and inspection.
This advancement is projected to increase the surveying precision for transmission projects and line inspections by more than fivefold compared to existing operational satellite systems. Its diverse applications encompass managing vast ultra-high voltage (UHV) projects, evaluating the environmental impact of transmission networks, scrutinizing crucial power corridors, issuing disaster warnings, and rapidly assessing post-disaster damage.
International Cooperation and Regional Insight
The mission also underscored strengthening space collaboration between China and the Middle East, carrying the UAE-led satellite designated 813. This craft is dedicated to critical environmental analysis, specifically focused on observing soil health, climate patterns, and wider ecological conditions. The inclusion of the UAE satellite highlights the increasing accessibility of Chinese launch services for international partners seeking reliable access to orbit for scientific and commercial purposes.
Furthermore, the launch addressed specific regional needs within China. Among the remaining satellites were two remote-sensing craft designated for various public utility applications in Hefei, the capital city of East China’s Anhui Province. These satellites will support local initiatives pertaining to water resource management, urban governance optimization, and the ongoing digital transformation within the municipal district, providing timely data for local governance and planning.
The successful dual-focus mission—combining a cutting-edge domestic industrial satellite with international and regional client payloads—demonstrates the maturing and diversified capabilities of China’s commercial space sector. This multi-faceted launch cements the Lijian-1’s role as a versatile platform supporting a growing array of orbital services, from specialized industrial monitoring to broad environmental surveillance both at home and abroad.