"In other words, when a satellite passes over China, the data it collects is received by the ground station and transmitted in real-time to the Beijing headquarters for distribution to relevant units or research departments, enabling them to access the data promptly," explained Tang Mengyue, head of the Lijiang Satellite Ground Station at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Aerospace Information Innovation Research Institute.

The milestone follows the establishment of China's first ground station in Miyun district, Beijing, in 1986. The network now includes stations in Kashgar (Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region), Sanya (Hainan province), Lijiang (Yunnan province), and Mohe (Heilongjiang province), strategically positioned to cover all key directions.

Real-time data transfer is crucial for various applications, particularly in monitoring environmental disasters like forest fires, earthquakes, and oil spills. Such rapid data availability enables timely and precise assessments and responses, minimizing potential damage and ensuring quick action by relevant authorities.

"These aspects may not be directly noticeable in our daily lives, but they are indispensable for the smooth functioning of society and our livelihoods," Tang emphasized.

China's remote sensing satellites, equipped with different payloads, support an array of applications, including resource exploration, urban development, environmental monitoring, disaster management, and space research.

"Before 1986, scientists who needed to use remote sensing satellite data had to purchase it at a high cost from countries such as the United States," Tang noted. "But now, China's satellite ground station receiving technology has full independent intellectual property rights."

Related Links
Aerospace Information Innovation Research Institute
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