BEIJING, Dec. 14 (China Space News) -- A new initiative spurred by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), will soon take off.

The planned constellation referred to as “16+4+4+X” will consist of sixteen 0.5 m resolution optical satellites, four high-end optical satellites, four microwave (radar) satellites and several video and hyperspectral birds. The first t 0.5m resolution optical satellites, Gaojing-1 is expected to launch late this year.