Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

Image credit: MAXAR Intelligence

An in-orbit spacecraft has snapped crystal-clear imagery of China’s Shijian-26 spacecraft, a Chinese optical remote sensing satellite.

This type of satellite-to-satellite observation heralds a new ability for space situational awareness, suggests Susanne Hake, general manager of Maxar Intelligence, operator of the WorldView Legion satellite constellation. “This capability fundamentally changes space security for the future.”

As space becomes increasingly crowded with thousands of new satellites from multiple nations, “we can now monitor satellite operations, detect modifications or threats, and provide near real-time intelligence on space-based assets in unprecedented detail,” Hake adds. “It’s like having a microscope trained on the new space race, ensuring we can protect critical infrastructure and communications while maintaining strategic awareness of emerging space capabilities.”

Image credit: MAXAR