China has reportedly developed a synthetic-aperture lidar camera capable of 1.7 mm resolution from 62 miles away. Because it is laser-based and doesn’t rely on a large lens, the author argues the system could inspect micrometeoroid damage on solar arrays, identify satellite sensors, and comprehensively catalog foreign military satellites in orbit.
China built a camera that can resolve 1.7 mm detail at a distance of 62 miles (≈100 km).
China just built a camera that sees 1.7mm detail from 62 miles away.
The system uses synthetic aperture lidar - a laser-based technology that doesn't need a large lens.
At this resolution, you can spot micrometeoroid damage on solar panels, identify sensor payloads, and catalog every foreign military satellite in orbit.
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