The satellite launched on Aug. 10 is equipped with a radar system that captures images from space with a resolution down to 1 meter, according to the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense. It is capable of generating radar images in all weather conditions and can work around the clock. Considering China’s 32,000 km of coastline, 380,000 square kilometers of territorial seas and more than 6,500 islands that have an area of at least 500 square meters, satellites like the Gaofen 3 are said to be very useful in safeguarding the country’s maritime rights and interests.
CAS news release, August 11, 2016
China’s new Gaofen-3 radar satellite said „to keep eye on sea interests“