China unveils Liaowang-1, boosting maritime space tracking
The Chinese navy has launched the modern vessel Liaowang-1, marking a significant step in developing its capability to track outer space. Equipped with advanced radars and antennas, this ship enables the monitoring of satellites, rockets, and missile tests from international waters, according to Army Recognition.
Liaowang-1, succeeding the Yuan Wang class units, ushers in a new era in Chinese strategy by integrating maritime operations with space support, Army Recognition explains. Thanks to its mobility, the ship can cover areas beyond the reach of ground stations, thus increasing China's strategic flexibility.
Liaowang-1 - China's new capabilities
Its deployment also highlights the country's ability to conduct operations far beyond its borders, posing a challenge to the USA and its allies. From a military perspective, ships like Liaowang-1 play a crucial role in modern conflicts. They allow for tracking the trajectories of missiles and satellites, which is vital for national security. Furthermore, the ship can support Chinese military satellites, such as the Beidou navigation system.
The name of the ship, Liaowang-1, means "Observer-1" in English, and it was designed and built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), a state-owned conglomerate responsible for a significant portion of China's shipbuilding capabilities, including warships, research vessels, and special-purpose units.
Liaowang-1 was officially unveiled at the end of 2023 and has attracted the interest of military analysts from the start. Although officially classified as a "surveillance ship," its role is actually much more complex. This complexity is due to the advanced array of sensors, radar systems, and both radio and satellite antennas installed on board, including massive, distinctive superstructures reminiscent of those found on American SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) units.
The vessel exceeds 328 feet in length, and its displacement is estimated to be around 6,000–7,000 tons. The ship features a helipad for medium-sized helicopters, allowing for operations of Z-9 or Z-20 types, which are the Chinese equivalents of well-known Western designs. The deck and superstructure are equipped with advanced electro-optical and radar systems. A notable feature is the enormous spherical radar dome on the bow, similar to those used in satellite communication and global monitoring systems.
