China has put three satellites into orbit that can locate radio signals from space, marking the first step toward a planned 60-satellite commercial monitoring network.

The Diting-01 satellites launched Sunday aboard a Lijian-1 Y18 rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre. Nine satellites flew on the mission, with the three Diting spacecraft entering their planned orbit.

Chang Guang Satellite Technology built the satellites, while StarRF operates the system. The startup wants to use the network to detect radio emissions across large areas from low Earth orbit.

The approach has clear applications in tracking radio activity that may be difficult to locate from the ground.

The three spacecraft can work together to determine where a radio signal originates. According to Chinese news portal Guancha, each satellite receives the same transmission from a different position in orbit. The system compares the arrival times across the three spacecraft.

That difference allows it to estimate the transmitter’s location. It can therefore locate a source without needing a receiver close to the emitter.

The setup is particularly useful for signals that move across large areas. Space-based receivers can also observe regions beyond the reach of fixed monitoring stations. Diting is named after a creature from Chinese mythology. The name refers to a beast said to identify things simply by listening.

The satellites are intended to monitor electromagnetic activity rather than simply provide communications or imaging services. Their planned use covers a wide range of radio-frequency signals.

StarRF launched in 2023, with a founding team that includes engineers from Tsinghua University’s Department of Electronic Engineering.

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