Qilu Aerospace Institute develops main payload for AIRSAT-05 satellite

Satellite AIRSAT-05 was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Aug 19 and has entered its designated orbit, carrying a main payload developed by the Qilu Aerospace Information Research Institute, a subsidiary of the Aerospace Information Research Institute under the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Jinan, Shandong province.

The main payload is an X-band multi-polarization synthetic aperture radar (SAR), supporting multiple operation modes, with an imaging resolution better than one meter and a maximum swath width exceeding 300 kilometers.

It is capable of imaging in multiple polarization modes and performing intelligent on-orbit processing, enabling high-quality SAR imaging while automatically identifying ice and ocean surfaces.

AIRSAT-05 is the third satellite co-developed by the institute this year, showcasing its growing innovative strength and expertise in spaceborne microwave remote sensing. The institute has enhanced its capabilities across the entire process, from design to development and system integration of main payload, laying a solid foundation for future applications.