The doctrine of aerial invisibility is under scrutiny. A recent study conducted by Chinese scientists has raised questions about the survivability of low-observable aircraft, such as the US stealth fighters F-22 Raptor, the Chinese equivalent J-20 Mighty Dragon, and the Russian Su-57 Felon, in an orbital warfare scenario.

The research, published this month in the Journal of Radars, focuses on the dual-satellite space radar system called Ludi Tance No. 1 (LT-1). Although the two satellites (LT-1A and LT-1B) were launched in early 2022 by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) for civilian mapping, the new simulations theorize its potential strategic anti-stealth capability.

The LT-1 system operates in a bistatic radar configuration in the L-band: one satellite acts as a pulse transmitter while the other in orbit receives the echoes. This architecture, according to the researchers led by chief engineer Chen Junli, is crucial for overcoming the historical problem of space-based radars — namely the suppression of "background clutter" caused by reflections from the Earth's surface.

The simulations show that, by exploiting specific geometric angles (between 30 and 130 degrees), the system can effectively isolate reflected signals even from targets with an equivalent radar cross-section (RCS) of about 10 square meters when seen from above, a value considered realistic for modern fifth-generation stealth aircraft.

Unlike ground surveillance systems, such as the mobile YLC-2E S-band radar (developed by the 14th Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Co., Ltd), the LT-1 system offers continuous 24/7 monitoring, overcoming the weather limitations of optical sensors. An additional tactical advantage is the high immunity to interference (anti-jamming), since the receiving satellite remains "silent" from an electronic-emission standpoint.

Although the detection capabilities have so far been demonstrated only through simulations, the work highlights China's determination to expand its orbital surveillance network. If fully developed for military purposes, this space constellation, complementary to high-power ground radars (such as the YLC-2E), could force all countries with stealth fleets to radically reassess their air-penetration strategies.