Business / Industries

China no longer reliant on satellite image imports

(Xinhua) Updated: 2013-01-10 11:08

BEIJING - China's first high-resolution, stereo mapping satellite Ziyuan III meets international standards, ridding the country of its reliance on imports of satellite images.

It was announced at a seminar reviewing the research and development of Ziyuan III held on Wednesday, one year after the satellite was launched.

China used to import over 90 percent of its remote-sensing data, according to the seminar.

The launch of Ziyuan III has enhanced the country's capability to capture space remote-sensing images, bolstered state security and boosted the geo-information industry.

Also according to the seminar, China plans to build a remote-sensing mapping satellite system in 10 to 15 years. Three follow-up mapping satellites are already in the pipeline.

The Ziyuan III 02 satellite is likely to be launched in early 2014, allowing the two orbiters to form a network, so that real-time data on any given point on earth can be retrieved throughout the day.

The satellite, a high-resolution remote-sensing satellite for civilian use, was launched on Jan 9, 2012. It is expected to compete with its foreign counterparts that currently dominate the country's hi-res remote-sensing and mapping market.

The satellite is tasked with offering services to aid the country's land-resources surveys, natural-disaster prevention, agricultural development, water-resources management and urban planning.

It has a designed life expectancy of five years.

 

Related Readings

Ziyuan III satellite expands mapping coverage

China's geoinformation industry generates 200b yuan

China to support geoinformation industry

China successfully launches remote sensing satellite

China to launch 1st national geoinformation survey

 

Hot Topics

Editor's Picks