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China's Yaogan-47 Satellite Boasts Unverified 2-Metre Aperture

1/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Yaogan-47 satellite, launched on December 9, features a potential two-metre optical aperture, according to China Science Daily.
The aperture size is described as comparable to the 2.4-metre apertures of the Hubble Space Telescope and the US KH-11 spy satellite.
The Long March 4B rocket that carried Yaogan-47 has a payload capacity of about four tonnes, suggesting a lightweight design.
Nevertheless, the authenticity of the two-metre optical aperture remains unverified.

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Story summary

Yaogan-47 satellite, launched on December 9, features a potential two-metre optical aperture, according to China Science Daily.
The aperture size is described as comparable to the 2.4-metre apertures of the Hubble Space Telescope and the US KH-11 spy satellite.
The Long March 4B rocket that carried Yaogan-47 has a payload capacity of about four tonnes, suggesting a lightweight design.
Nevertheless, the authenticity of the two-metre optical aperture remains unverified.