The inaugural satellite in this ambitious network, named Tianyan 16, was successfully launched on Tuesday using a Ceres 1 carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China's Gobi Desert.

Tianyan 16 is a meteorological satellite equipped with passive microwave detection equipment. Positioned in a low-Earth orbit at approximately 500 kilometers, it possesses the capability to measure vertical atmospheric temperature and humidity layers, survey precipitation, sea surface pressure, and even analyze the structure of typhoons.

Yu Weixue, Chief Technology Officer of Cultivate Space, shared insights after the launch, stating, "In the near future, we aim to deploy a total of 45 meteorological satellites, including Tianyan 16, into orbit to create an extensive space-based network. All these satellites will be equipped with similar instruments as Tianyan 16."

He added, "Upon the network's completion, it will be able to obtain global data within just 30 minutes."

"We have planned to launch three satellites via a single rocket flight before July 2024. If everything proceeds as scheduled, another three satellites will join the network before the end of next year, alongside Tianyan 16," Yu continued.

The primary payload on Tianyan 16 is a microwave radiometer, operating at a frequency of more than 100 gigahertz and demonstrating exceptional sensitivity. This equipment is considered the best of its kind in China and possesses world-class capabilities.

"The data collected by the spacecraft will play a crucial role in early warnings for typhoons, heavy rainfall, and other extreme weather events. Additionally, it will support research on climate change. Following in-orbit functional verification, the satellite will commence formal operations, with its data products primarily utilized by meteorological authorities. Remarkably, the satellite can scan the entire Earth within a matter of several hours," explained the researcher.

The Ceres 1 rocket employed for the Tuesday launch was developed and manufactured by Galactic Energy, a private rocket manufacturer based in Beijing. Notably, Galactic Energy has achieved remarkable success, with 10 successful orbital launch missions conducted using Ceres 1 rockets, outperforming its private competitors in China. These flights have placed 35 commercial satellites into orbit.

Based on a Xinhua News Agency article

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