IN the wake of a devastating mudslide that struck the Gyirong Port area in the Xizang Autonomous Region on Aug. 26, Chinese commercial satellites have intensified surveillance of upstream glaciers to detect early warning signs of further hazards. As rescue operations continue, space-based technology is proving critical in monitoring ice cracks and surface shifts that could signal new dangers.

Three Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, operated by Spacety — a commercial aerospace firm based in Changsha, Hunan Province — are delivering real-time imagery to the rescue command center in Gyirong County, Shigatse. Already deployed to track two barrier lakes and assess damage along National Highway G216, the satellites are now zeroing in on the glacier zone above the port.

“Our current priority is the glacial area upstream, where we are using satellite data to observe changes in the ice surface and identify potential risks,” said Jiang Lin, a satellite engineer from Spacety stationed at the front-line command center. “If we detect any anomaly, we immediately relay the data to ground teams for verification.”

To enhance detection precision, the team has introduced Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology, which compares radar images taken at different times to measure ground deformation down to millimeter or centimeter scales. This method covers vast areas without the need for on-ground sensors — a crucial advantage in Gyirong’s rugged, mountainous landscape.

SAR technology is especially effective in this region because it can operate through darkness, clouds, and rain — conditions that often hinder optical satellites. “Think of SAR satellites as CT scanners for the Earth,” Jiang explained. “As they orbit, they actively send microwave signals to generate high-resolution images, whether in heavy rain or at midnight.”

Spacety joined the emergency response shortly after the mudslide occurred. Within just 20 minutes of receiving a request for assistance, the team reconfigured its satellite imaging schedules to prioritize the affected zone. The first SAR images were captured in the early hours of Aug. 27, and later that day, Jiang and his colleagues arrived at the rescue command center to align orbital observations with ground-level needs.

Imagery from Aug. 27 and 28 successfully pinpointed two barrier lakes, helping rescuers assess potential flooding risks downstream. In SAR visuals, water bodies appear dark, while debris and damaged slopes show up brighter, enabling analysts to clearly identify and map the lakes’ extents. The satellites also captured sections of National Highway G216 that were destroyed or blocked, providing valuable updates on road-clearing routes and excavation progress.

With three satellites passing over the disaster area at different times and angles, the team can refresh observations of critical sites frequently, offering rescuers a dynamic and comprehensive view of evolving conditions.

“Being on-site with the frontline teams allows us to grasp their needs directly and respond without delay,” Jiang added. “Our goal is to bridge the last mile between space technology and ground rescue efforts.”

(SD-Agencies)