The world’s lightest operational in-orbit 0.5m satellite: GF04
- Paper number
IAC-23,B4,4,10,x77249
- Author
Mr. Xing Zhong, Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., Ltd., China
- Coauthor
Mr. Maosheng Chen, Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., Ltd., China
- Coauthor
Mr. Xin Li, Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., Ltd., China
- Coauthor
Mr. Xiaoran Xu, Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co., Ltd., China
- Year
2023
- Abstract
As the latest R&D achievement put into actual use, GF04A is a VHR commercial satellite in the Jilin-1 constellation built by CGSTL. It was launched on April 30th. 2022, and started providing high-quality images to customers, with the highest GSD from space and 15km swath at 535km orbit height. Using the platform-less philosophy, the total weight of GF04A is only 92kg, which is the lightest in the world. The end-to-end optimization works of the GF04A satellite are introduced, including the image quality estimation, advanced payload design and manufacturing, the satellite’s integrated design, and the AI on-board capabilities. The breakthrough of the advanced ultra-lightweight optical system for GF04 is highlighted. A new image quality evaluation method is also proposed, with its application for long-term in-orbit image quality monitoring. Using a series of innovative design and evaluation thoughts and methods, the GF04 successfully become an operational commercial satellite with state-of-art performance, among the satellites with similar weight and size. JL-1GF04B satellite with enhanced agility is scheduled to be launched in the middle of 2023.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-23,B4,4,10,x77249.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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