China Starts Building Commercial Space Debris Monitoring Constellation

China has begun deploying the Gande Constellation, its first commercial network dedicated entirely to space debris monitoring, aiming for round-the-clock detection across low, medium, and high orbits according to developer ATmoto Technology. The initiative addresses mounting orbital congestion that has previously damaged operational spacecraft, including China’s crewed Shenzhou missions.

Gande Constellation Deployment and Phase Plans

The first satellite of the 120-satellite network lifted off on July 24, 2026, aboard a Lijian-1 commercial rocket from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone in Northwest China. According to Fan Wei, chief engineer of the constellation, the successful launch fills a gap in commercial space-based debris monitoring capabilities and marks a key step in space traffic management. Developed by ATmoto Technology, a Beijing-based private aerospace company, the network is planned across three distinct phases with full deployment targeted before 2030.

The initial phase, designated LX630, consists of 14 satellites. These units were jointly built by Liangxi Aerospace Technology Group in East China’s Wuxi and ATmoto Technology to support comprehensive monitoring and cataloging of targets across multiple orbital regimes.

Advanced Onboard AI and Orbital Transfer Capabilities

The newly launched satellite features an onboard artificial intelligence-aided computer that allows it to execute routine surveillance, emergency response, and rapid tracking missions without frequent ground intervention, according to the developer. Additionally, the spacecraft possesses orbital transfer capabilities designed to conduct close-range observation and sophisticated in-orbit operations.

Subsequent phases of the project will significantly scale these capabilities. The second phase will introduce 36 satellites equipped with high-resolution imaging and electromagnetic environment sensors. The third phase will add 70 AI-enabled satellites dedicated to object recognition, behavioral analysis, and autonomous decision-making.

Growing Orbital Hazards and Space Junk Statistics

The commercial deployment comes as rocket launches, planetary missions, and satellite activities drive an exponential increase in orbital debris. According to media reports cited in industry assessments, the number of space debris pieces larger than one centimeter—a size capable of posing a severe threat to spacecraft—has surpassed one million. These fragments travel at approximately 7.9 kilometers per second, carrying immense kinetic energy upon impact.

Real-world incidents underscore these operational hazards. Last year, China’s Shenzhou XX crewed spaceship experienced an extended stay at the Tiangong space station after its return capsule viewport window suffered an impact from orbital debris. Earlier, in 2024, the Shenzhou XVII crew completed two spacewalks to repair the Tiangong core module’s solar wings following orbital debris strikes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of the Gande Constellation?

The Gande Constellation is designed for round-the-clock, all-orbit target detection and comprehensive monitoring of space debris to support improved space traffic management.

How many satellites will make up the finished network?

According to ATmoto Technology, the fully deployed commercial constellation will consist of 120 satellites distributed across three operational phases, with completion targeted before 2030.

What makes the newly launched satellite technologically unique?

The first satellite is equipped with an onboard AI-aided computer for autonomous routine surveillance and rapid tracking, alongside orbital transfer capabilities for close-range observation.

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