What are those Chinese up to?

Nov. 16, 2011
People with too much time on their hands have scoured Google Earth's satellite images and uncovered a mystery in China: large grids out in the Gobi Desert, some colored light blue, along with other odd sites. Some look like military test sites for ...

People with too much time on their hands have scoured Google Earth's satellite images and uncovered a mystery in China: large grids out in the Gobi Desert, some colored light blue, along with other odd sites. Some look like military test sites for weapons or possible evaluating stealth technologies. But no one in the West knows for sure. And if they do, they're not talking. So I'd like to draw upon Machine Design's audience and its vast amount of engineering expertise to make some guesses.

Let us know what you think these sites are all about.

Here's a website with many of the images.

And here's a site with a little analysis and links to the actual Google Earth sites.

About the Author

Stephen Mraz Blog | Senior Editor

Steve serves as Senior Editor of Machine Design.  He has 23 years of service and has a B.S. Biomedical Engineering from CWRU. Steve was a E-2C Hawkeye Naval Flight Officer in the U.S. Navy. He is currently responsible for areas such as aerospace, defense, and medical.

Like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 27, 2025
Ensure workplace safety and compliance with our comprehensive Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Safety Training course. Learn critical procedures to prevent serious injuries.
June 27, 2025
Join our expert webinar to discover essential safety control measures and best practices for engineering a truly safe and compliant industrial environment.
June 25, 2025
An innovative aircraft with electric drives combines the best of both worlds. The cross between drone and helicopter could mean significantly faster and more efficient air emergency...
June 25, 2025
Effective when other materials fail, ceramics are particularly suitable for applications requiring wear and chemical resistance, sliding characteristics or biocompatibility. Discover...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!