Liaowang-1 Spy Ship

Full Specifications

China Liaowang-1 Ocean Surveillance and Tracking Ship

The Liaowang-1 is a Chinese ocean surveillance and tracking vessel designed to monitor missile tests, satellite launches, and naval activities across vast ocean regions. Operated by the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), the ship functions as a mobile intelligence and telemetry platform capable of collecting radar, communications, and electronic data far from Chinese territory.

Unlike traditional warships built primarily for combat, Liaowang-1 focuses on strategic monitoring and data gathering. The vessel supports space tracking missions, ballistic missile testing programs, and maritime surveillance tasks. Large tracking antennas, high power radar arrays, and advanced communications systems allow the ship to relay real time telemetry back to command centers on land.

Because of its long endurance and ability to operate in remote ocean regions, Liaowang-1 has become an important component of China’s space and missile testing infrastructure. The ship can deploy for extended periods to track rockets and satellites during launches that pass beyond the reach of mainland radar coverage.

Manufacturer

Liaowang-1 was constructed by Jiangnan Shipyard, a major Chinese naval shipbuilding facility. The ship belongs to the Yuan Wang class of tracking vessels, which are designed specifically for space support and electronic intelligence missions. These ships are equipped with large satellite tracking dishes, advanced telemetry receivers, and secure communications links.

The design prioritizes stability and sensor capacity rather than offensive weapon systems. Its large deck structures house tracking domes and antenna arrays that monitor objects in space and on the ocean surface.

Speed and Range

Liaowang-1 is powered by a conventional diesel propulsion system that allows it to reach speeds of roughly 20 knots. While not built for high speed maneuvering, the vessel emphasizes endurance. It can travel thousands of nautical miles and remain at sea for extended monitoring missions.

This long range capability allows the ship to operate in international waters where it can observe missile tests, naval exercises, and space launch activities across different regions.

Cost / Price

Exact procurement costs for Liaowang-1 have not been publicly disclosed. However, ships in the Yuan Wang tracking fleet are estimated to cost several hundred million dollars due to their specialized radar systems, telemetry equipment, and long range communications technology.

These vessels represent a strategic investment for China’s military and space programs because they extend tracking coverage far beyond mainland radar networks.