China’s unique high-orbit satellite is using a rare metal the US struggles to obtain
China has deployed a unique high-orbit radar satellite that utilizes gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors to provide 24/7 surveillance. Because China dominates the global supply of gallium, this technology highlights a significant strategic advantage and supply chain vulnerability for the United States.
Why it matters
The reliance on Chinese-controlled rare minerals for advanced defense technology poses a critical national security risk for Western nations.
A satellite that can provide 24/7 surveillance of a third of the Earth’s surface relies on a rare mineral whose global supply is dominated by China, a new study has disclosed.
The Ludi Tance-4 01 radar satellite, powered by gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductors, is the only satellite of its kind.
It orbits 36,000km (22,000 miles) above the Earth and is able to stay in what is known as a geosynchronous orbit, which keeps it fixed over the same spot.
This allows it to monitor both large areas of the planet and moving targets – something the United States has spent decades trying to achieve without success.
China has near-total dominance of the global supply of GaN – a key component in active electronically scanned array radars, electronic warfare systems and next-generation defence platforms – and has restricted gallium exports since the satellite launched in August 2023.
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