China launches two Jilin-1 satellites

Two satellites for multispectral imaging were launched on a Long March 11 rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 13:42 on Jan 21, successfully entering a preset orbit a short time later.

The "Jilin-1" GP 01 and 02 satellites, independently developed by Changchun-based Chang Guang Satellite Technology, are part of the Jilin-1 satellite family, which currently has 12 others in orbit. The satellites are able to photograph China in detail from above, mapping its varied geography and pinpointing its natural resources.

So far, the Jilin-1 satellites have performed more than 20,000 imaging tasks, providing various remote sensing information services for more than 10 countries and over 20 industries.

The Jilin-1 GP 01 satellite, also named the Jilin Lincao-1, is to serve the forestry and grassland (lincao refers to forests and grassland) system, offering services such as analysis of the species of trees and plants, providing early warnings of forest fires, helping identify pests and diseases, and documenting desertification.

The launch of the satellite will support the development of smart forestry and grassland industries in the province, and help support ecological construction

Another satellite will serve the marine system, providing remote sensing information support for marine ecological monitoring and marine resource exploration.

Two Jilin-1 satellites are launched on a Long March 11 rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 13:42 on Jan 21. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The rocket launches the satellites into orbit. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]