China Develops World's Most Powerful Spy Camera Capable of Identifying Faces from Space
Chinese scientists have made a significant breakthrough in optical imaging technology with a powerful laser system that could redefine global surveillance capabilities. The advanced imaging device has demonstrated the ability to capture millimeter-level details from over 100 kilometers (62 miles) away, setting new benchmarks in remote sensing and reconnaissance.
The research, conducted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Aerospace Information Research Institute, was published in the peer-reviewed Chinese Journal of Lasers on Friday. According to the study, the new synthetic aperture lidar system enables high-resolution imaging at unprecedented distances, surpassing existing spy cameras and telescopes that rely on traditional lenses.
In a recent trial at Qinghai Lake, a high-altitude body of water in northwest China, scientists positioned the imaging device on the lake’s northern shore and targeted reflective prism arrays placed 101.8 kilometers away. Under optimal atmospheric conditions—clear skies, minimal cloud cover, and stable winds—the system successfully detected details as small as 1.7mm (1/16 inch) and measured distances with an accuracy of 15.6mm.
This level of precision is estimated to be 100 times greater than that of the most advanced optical spy satellites currently in use. Experts suggest that this technology could enhance China’s ability to monitor foreign military assets in orbit and improve Earth-based surveillance applications.
While the full extent of its potential applications remains undisclosed, the breakthrough highlights China's ongoing advancements in quantum optics and remote sensing. The development of such high-powered imaging systems could have significant implications for defense, security, and scientific research worldwide.
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