Academy to debut first China-developed satellite for monitoring air pollution

Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) will unveil at the 12th China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition the first China-developed satellite for monitoring air pollution.

The Gaofen-5 (GF-5) hyperspectral imaging satellite for atmospheric research was launched on May 9. Its first public appearance will be made at the Zhuhai show from Nov 6 to 11.

The satellite is designed for comprehensive dynamic observation of the atmosphere, explains Tong Xudong, chief designer of the GF series. This includes looking at air, air pollutants, greenhouse gases, and aerosols. GF-5 is the first satellite to be used by the Ministry of Ecology & Environment. 

SAST is a research and production complex based in Shanghai. It is a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science & Technology Corp (CASC) and is often referred to as The Eighth Division.

LY-80 surface-to-air missile system at Airshow China 2016 [Photo courtesy shobserver.com]

In addition to the product, there will be 20 other exhibits on display, including 11 products that have not previously been shown to the public, giving visitors a peek into one of the largest suppliers of advanced aerospace technology and air defense products in China.

SAST has also arranged for FengYun-4 (FY-4) to make its first-ever public appearance during the air show. FY-4 was the first of China's second-generation weather satellites in geostationary orbit, as well as the country's first quantitative remote-sensing satellite in high orbit.

SAST has secured multi-billion dollar orders during past Zhuhai airshows and is anticipating more deals this year. According to Hua Chongzhi, deputy dean of SAST, high expectations were especially placed on its conceptual Tianhe Program, which relies on a to-be-built satellite network to conduct high-precision real-time monitoring of water resources from the air.

Other exhibits will include Long March-6 (CZ-6) series rockets, LY-80N (ship-borne air-defense missile weapon system), and hydrogen cells.

Up-to-date aerospace and defense products will be heavily featured, along with successful military-civil integration practices enabled by the use of these technologies.