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HEO Uses Satellite-to-Satellite Imaging to Unmask China’s XJY-7 as SAR Testbed

The release showcases a verified 3D model that demonstrates a deployed radar dish plus body rotation for power management.

Overview

  • HEO says repeated non‑Earth imaging identified a large deployed dish and a synthetic aperture radar antenna on XJY‑7.
  • The company built a verified high‑fidelity 3D model from multi‑angle observations, including simultaneous captures from two satellites.
  • HEO reports the spacecraft relied on full‑body rotation to charge fixed solar arrays, revealing an operational power strategy.
  • Independent tracker Marco Langbroek attributed a bright October 16 reentry over the Canary Islands to XJY‑7 based on orbital analysis.
  • HEO cites roughly 4,000 low‑Earth‑orbit imaging operations and plans to extend services to the geostationary belt as non‑Earth imaging deepens space domain awareness.