Decoding China's Potent 'Spy' Vessel and its Formidable Capabilities

In the vast expanse of the world's oceans, silently navigating through the waves, China's Yuan Wang-class tracking ships stand as powerful sentinels, dedicated to tracking and supporting satellite launches and intercontinental ballistic missiles. Often shrouded in secrecy, these vessels represent a crucial component of the People's Liberation Army Strategic Support Force's capabilities, providing a unique "long view" into space activities.

A Diverse Fleet with a Singular Purpose

The Yuan Wang-class is not a monolithic design but a series of distinct vessels united under the same name, each contributing to China's strategic space surveillance capabilities. The class was conceived in 1965, with Premier Zhou Enlai's vision gaining personal approval from Chairman Mao Zedong in 1968. The initial ships, Yuan Wang 1 and Yuan Wang 2, set sail in the late 1970s, marking a significant leap for China in its ability to track launches and satellites beyond its borders.

Specifications and Capabilities

While detailed specifications for these vessels remain closely guarded, some key features have come to light. Yuan Wang 1 and Yuan Wang 2, believed to displace around 21,000 tons when fully loaded, boast a crew of approximately 470 members and a length of about 190 meters. Propelled by Sulzer Ltd. diesel engines, these ships can reach a top speed of 20 knots (37 km/h).

The class's expansion includes Yuan Wang 3 and Yuan Wang 4, commissioned in 1995 and 1999, respectively. These vessels underwent significant overhauls to transition from tracking indigenous satellite launches to supporting international satellite missions, showcasing their adaptability and strategic importance.

The next generation, featuring Yuan Wang 5 and Yuan Wang 6, represents a technological leap forward. Constructed by Jiangnan Shipyard, Yuan Wang 5, commissioned in 2007, can withstand wind scales up to 12 and operate in sea state 6, affirming its robustness in challenging maritime conditions. Yuan Wang 6, operational since 2008, utilizes fiber optics for its information system and possesses the astounding capability to generate enough electricity to power a city of 300,000.

The most recent addition, Yuan Wang 7, commissioned in 2016, further extends the class's capabilities. With an ability to operate at sea for an impressive 100 days, this vessel, constructed by Jiangnan Shipbuilding, is equipped with three large dish antennae, each ranging from 10 to 12 meters in diameter. Its primary mission includes maritime tracking of significant space missions, such as the Shenzhou 11 manned space mission and the Tiangong 2 space laboratory.

A Silent Guardian

The Yuan Wang-class tracking vessels embody China's steadfast commitment to propelling its space exploration and defense capabilities to new heights. Their adeptness in monitoring and facilitating satellite launches and missile operations transcends national borders, showcasing the nation's unwavering dedication to advancing its prowess in space exploration and surveillance. As these maritime sentinels navigate the global oceans with silent precision, they stand as a testament to China's technological excellence in space endeavors and its strategic foresight for the future.