JILIN-1 welcomes two new members

Deqing-1, a JILIN-1 satellite, is launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Jan 19. [Photo provided to ejilin.gov.cn]

Two new JILIN-1 series satellites -- Deqing-1 and Linye-2 -- produced by Chang Guang Satellite Technology in Jilin province, were launched successfully on Jan 19, the company recently announced.

The two satellites are part of the JILIN-1 project. The number of JILIN-1 satellites has now reached ten and the company plans to launch 60 in total by the end of 2020.

Both satellites have various imaging modules and solid technology.

Deqing-1 is responsible for collecting data on various matters including traffic, mapping, the environment and agriculture in Deqing town and the Mogan Mountain New Area in Zhejiang province.

Linye-2 will support data collection for China's forestry system through faster response, higher accuracy and spatial resolution and larger monitored areas.

Jia Hongguang, deputy general manager of the company, said another eight satellites are planned for 2018, two of which will serve the country's forestry work.

The JILIN-1 satellites, named after the province, were the first ones developed entirely by China. They are also the first self-developed commercial satellites in the country designed for better payload.

Traditional satellites normally have fixed platforms and the payload's sizes and weights have to be adjusted according to the platforms. The parts used to collect information are the payload.

However, the design of the JILIN-1 satellites is centered on the payload which the platform supports.