China’s first ever Synthetic Aperture Radar imaging satellite, the Gaofen-3, has sent back its first set of captured images.

An SAR image of Tianjin municipality. [Photo: Xinhua]

An SAR image of Beijing International Airport. [Photo: Xinhua]

Gaofen-3 has provided clear images of all roads, buildings and boats in Chinese cities, including Tianjin,  Wuhan and Kashgar.

Developed by the China Academy of Space Technology, the satellite can generate highly-specialized radar images in all kinds of weather, 24 hours a day.

With 12 imaging modes, Gaofen-3 is the strongest performer in the SAR imaging satellite family. The satellite will be involved in a series of tests over the coming months.