Researchers detail the recent additions of nine Earth observation satellites.

Satellite Program Highlights:

The Land Exploration Satellites LT-1A and LT-1B, part of China's long-term civilian space development strategy (2015-2025), are presented as pioneering steps in independent satellite observation. These satellites provide comprehensive all-weather, all-time monitoring capabilities and are equipped with sophisticated L-band multi-polarization multi-channel SAR payloads, supporting geological disaster prevention and mapping. LT-1A and LT-1B orbit at 607 kilometers in a sun-synchronous trajectory, enhancing China's disaster monitoring capacity.

The GF-3C satellite continues the legacy of the GF-3 program, designed for eight years of operation with 12 imaging modes. Its primary C-band synthetic aperture radar payload allows for extensive, reliable imaging for national development goals and civil applications.

DQ-1 introduces a unique capability in Earth observation as the first satellite globally to detect carbon dioxide using laser technology. It operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit and includes five advanced remote sensing instruments aimed at carbon monitoring and pollution analysis, promising significant environmental and atmospheric monitoring improvements.

The Carbon Monitoring Satellite for Terrestrial Ecosystems (CM-1), a notable achievement in carbon sink observation, combines active and passive systems for monitoring forest ecosystems. It includes four advanced observation tools: multi-beam lidar, multispectral cameras, hyperspectral detectors, and polarization imagers, providing a sophisticated approach to carbon data collection.

In the category of environmental monitoring, the HJ-2E and HJ-2F satellites are instrumental as they form a synchronized constellation, focusing on environmental and disaster management. Orbiting at 499 kilometers, these satellites use S-band SAR to provide data for emergency response and ecological oversight.

The GF-5 01A satellite, an extension of the Gaofen-5 program, is equipped with three payloads, including the Advanced Hyperspectral Imager (AHSI), the Wideband Thermal Infrared Imager (WTI), and the Environmental Monitoring Instrument (EMI), adding significant value to atmospheric data collection capabilities.

The JZ-1 satellite holds a unique position as the world's first geosynchronous orbit SAR satellite, developed under China's long-term civil space infrastructure plan. Currently in testing, JZ-1 is expected to offer robust data on regional weather and environmental conditions from its stationary orbit.

Operational Data and Distribution:

Analysis of satellite imaging operations indicates a well-coordinated effort to meet user demands within operational constraints. These imaging sessions, conducted across various satellites including GF-3C, LT-1A, LT-1B, HJ-2E, and GF-5 01A, cover diverse applications, from geological studies to environmental monitoring.

Satellite data storage has been rigorously managed, with data levels processed and archived for easy access by national and international research entities. The satellites have contributed large volumes of imagery and spectral data, aiding in research, governance, and commercial use. The data collected by LT-1A, LT-1B, GF-3C, and others are distributed widely among research institutions, governmental bodies, commercial organizations, and individual users.

Future Developments and Goals:

By 2030, the number of China's Earth observation satellites is expected to reach 40, diversifying payloads and orbital configurations. This expansion aims to improve spatial, temporal, spectral, and radiative resolutions. Such advancements will enhance the scope of Earth observation applications, from national economy monitoring to advancing societal benefits through enhanced technology and data reliability.

Research Report:Recent Progress of Earth Observation Satellites in China

Related Links
China Centre for Resources Satellite Data
Earth Observation News - Suppiliers, Technology and Application