Satellite to give China bigger view from above
Print Edition
China’s first high orbit remote sensing satellite, Gaofen-4, was launched into space yesterday.
China’s first geosynchronous orbit high-definition optical imaging satellite will be used for high-precision observation of China and its surrounding areas, said Zhang Hongtai, president of China Academy of Space Technology.
Li Guo, its chief designer said it can “see” the entire area of Beijing and Tianjin at a glance and its observations will be of benefit to countries and regions along China’s “Belt and Road” initiative as well as providing services for domestic industries.
Gaofen-4 is orbiting 36,000 kilometers from the Earth, much farther than other remote sensing satellites. High orbit satellites have the advantage of being able to snap “grand scenarios,” he said Low orbit satellites, in contrast, can see more detail at faster speed.
Low orbit satellites cannot always follow natural disasters, but Gaofen-4 can continuously observe a disaster because it moves in tandem with the Earth. This can improve the response to disasters such as earthquakes, landslides and typhoons.
Gaofen-4 has a designed lifespan of 8 years, compared to other remote sensing satellites which remain in service for three to five years.
Since the inception of the Gaofen project in 2013, China has gained an increasingly clearer view of the planet. Gaofen-1, launched in April 2013, can cover the globe in four days. Gaofen-2, sent into space in August 2014, is able to resolve detailed images in full color. The two satellites enable China to be self-sufficient in high-definition remote sensing data.
China will launch Gaofen-3 in 2016 and accelerate the research and development of Gaofen-6 and Gaofen-7. The goal of the Gaofen series is to provide an all-weather, 24-hour service covering the globe.
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