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China launches Lijian-1 Y18 carrying Diting-01 monitoring satellites

By Drooid · Sep 23, 2026, 6:21 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

China launched a Lijian-1 Y18 rocket carrying nine satellites, including three Diting-01 signals-intelligence satellites, from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.
The Diting-01 satellites listen to Earth radio signals and locate emitters using time-difference-of-arrival.
Chang Guang Satellite Technology built the satellites, which StarRF operates via a 2023 Tsinghua-founded team.
The launch puts China among few nations with commercial space-based radio monitoring and advances a planned 60-satellite constellation.

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Story summary

China launched a Lijian-1 Y18 rocket carrying nine satellites, including three Diting-01 signals-intelligence satellites, from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.
The Diting-01 satellites listen to Earth radio signals and locate emitters using time-difference-of-arrival.
Chang Guang Satellite Technology built the satellites, which StarRF operates via a 2023 Tsinghua-founded team.
The launch puts China among few nations with commercial space-based radio monitoring and advances a planned 60-satellite constellation.