Chinese scientists have made a groundbreaking advancement in optical imaging. They have developed a powerful laser that could transform global surveillance standards.
This cutting-edge technology allows China to observe foreign military satellites with unmatched precision. It may even capture details as small as a human face from low Earth orbit, according to the South China Morning Post.
Millimeter-Level Imaging at Unprecedented Distances
A team from the Institute of Aerospace Information at the Chinese Academy of Sciences has achieved a major milestone. They successfully captured images with millimeter-level resolution from over 100 kilometers away—a feat once thought impossible.
This advancement places China at the forefront of global surveillance technology. Traditional optical systems could only achieve similar resolutions at distances no greater than 10 kilometers.
Breaking Limitations with Synthetic Aperture Lidar
China has overcome these constraints using synthetic aperture lidar. This breakthrough enables precise imaging over vast distances, marking a new era in space reconnaissance and surveillance.
Successful Testing at Qinghai Lake
During tests at Qinghai Lake in remote northwest China, researchers used a state-of-the-art synthetic aperture lidar system. This laser-based imaging technology offers a wide field of view.
The device, positioned on the lake’s north shore, targeted arrays of reflective prisms placed 101.8 kilometers apart. Favorable atmospheric conditions, including clear skies, minimal cloud cover, and steady wind, ensured successful results.
This innovation could reshape global intelligence and surveillance, setting a new benchmark in space-based observation technology.
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