Efforts to monitor natural disasters and the environment will
get a lift from aloft next year, when three small satellites will
be launched.
"We plan to send a small-satellite constellation into orbit in
2008 for environment and disaster monitoring and forecasting," said
Zhang Qingwei, president of the China Aerospace Science and
Technology Corp.
The initial constellation for environmental monitoring and
disaster relief will consist of two optical satellites - which will
be launched from one rocket - and a radar satellite, company
sources said.
Following the 2008 launch, at least four more satellites will be
sent into orbit within two years to better monitor, predict and
assess ecological damage, pollution and disasters in any weather
and over larger swathes.
Speaking at the opening of the 11th Space Conference of
Pacific-basin Societies, Zhang said research and development of
space technology in China has been increasingly prompted by the
surging demand for social and economic growth.
The three-day meeting is co-sponsored by the Chinese Society of
Astronautics, the American Astronautical Society and the Japanese
Rocket Society.
"China is shifting its satellite research and development work
from trial applications to mission services," Zhang said.
Natural disasters, including typhoons, floods, droughts and
earthquakes, last year claimed 3,186 lives and forced 13.845
million people to move, while incurring direct losses of at least
252.81 billion yuan (US$32.4 billion) - a new high in the past
eight years - Vice-Minister of Civil Affairs Li Liguo said in
January.
Besides, the number of mass accidents caused by environmental
problems have increased by 30 percent annually, and the country
reported 161 pollution accidents last year, according to figures
from the State Environmental Protection Administration.
The satellites will help China improve its capabilities in
reducing disasters and protecting the environment, Zhang said.
Ultimately, China will expand the constellation into one
comprising eight small satellites, according to Fan Yida, director
of the remote-sensing department under the National Disaster
Reduction Center.
He did not specify a timetable.
The building and application of China's satellite constellation
is open for international cooperation, Fan said yesterday.
(China Daily May 17, 2007)