Breakthrough suggests ability to achieve global, 24/7, all-weather reconnaissance coverage of high-value targets
3-MIN READ3-MIN ListenStephen Chenin BeijingPublished: 5:01pm, 13 Apr 2026Off the northern boundary of the Spratly Islands, winds howl and waves surge. A Japanese-flagged oil tanker ploughs through these disputed waters in the South China Sea.The Towa Maru, measuring roughly 340 metres (1,115 feet) long and 60 metres wide, rivals an aircraft carrier in sheer bulk.
A Chinese satellite locks its gaze upon the vessel, 35,800km (22,245 miles) overhead.
This breakthrough suggests that, with just three satellites, China could achieve global, 24/7, all-weather reconnaissance coverage of high-value targets, including US naval fleets.
To match this capability, other countries might need to deploy hundreds, if not thousands, of satellites.
