China announced the official launch of the “Hainan No. 1” satellite constellation project on 14 December. Under the project, designed to enable full uninterrupted observations of the South China Sea, six low altitude optical satellites along with two hyperspectral satellites and two SAR satellites will be launched, the first of which is expected to be placed in orbit in 2019.

Currently, the project has completed its overall demonstration and system design. The testing of satellite systems and ground systems will be gradually carried out starting from next year. Through the Hainan constellation system, China will gain a wide range of observational capabilities over the South China Sea and its surrounding areas.