News China to Monitor South China Sea by Spy Satellites By maritimemag August 18, 2018 ShareTweet 0 Abiodun Oba | A fleet of 10 satellites to monitor shipping in the South China Sea are being built by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. According to Chinese state media, Beijing claims more than 90 percent of the sea’s waters as its own, and it has developed a string of island bases with air defence systems, anti-ship missiles and bomber-capable airfields to cement its de-facto control of the region. By the end of 2019, the academy’s Sanya Institute of Remote Sensing intends to launch three new satellites with cameras and optical sensors, which will monitor shipping and surface conditions in the South China Sea. This first set of imaging satellites will provide broad coverage of the region, with resolution suitable for tracking mid-size vessels. A second set of three camera-equipped satellites will follow. In 2020, the team intends to launch two satellites with hyperspectral sensors, which are designed to detect the material composition of surface objects. An additional two synthetic aperture radar satellites would give all-weather sensing capabilities. The fleet will be deployed to cover an area between 30 degrees north and 30 degrees south, providing full coverage of the region. Yang Tianling, the institute’s director, speaking to SCMP said, “Each reef and island as well as each vessel in the South China Sea will be under the watch of the ‘space eyes. “The system will [reinforce] national sovereignty, protection of fisheries, and marine search and rescue.” © 2018, maritimemag. All rights reserved.
News Missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels targets a container ship in the Red Sea April 30, 2024244 views
News MWUN, others, direct members to join nationwide strike as NLC, TUC ignore court order November 14, 2023383 views
Headlines NSC’s mandate more robust with creation of Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy -NSC Boss Ukeyima November 1, 2023479 views
Dangote refinery can supply diesel, petrol needs of West Africa; African continent’s aviation fuel requirements — Dangote May 19, 2024
Marine and Blue Economy Ministry to increase local fish production, reduce dependence on importation May 18, 2024
No justification for epileptic electricity supply in Nigeria – Eminent Nigerians, and leaders May 18, 2024