China launches new satellite to monitor air pollution
9 May 2018 5:08 PM GMT
Beijing: China on Wednesday successfully launched a hyperspectral imaging satellite for comprehensive observation of the atmosphere, including air pollution which is one of the country's major problems.
The Gaofen-5 satellite was launched off the back of a Long March 4C rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern Shanxi Province. It was the 274th flight mission by a Long March carrier rocket.
The satellite, launched as part of its high-resolution Earth observation project, was developed and produced by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation can be used for comprehensive environmental monitoring.
It has a designed life of eight years, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Tong Xudong, chief designer of the Gaofen series said, Gaofen-5 is the first China-developed satellite that can monitor air pollution. It can dynamically reflect the state of air pollution in China through the monitoring of air pollutants, greenhouse gases, and aerosols, the report said.
Gaofen-5 is able to obtain spectral information from ultraviolet to long-wave infrared radiation.
It is the world's first full-spectrum hyperspectral satellite for comprehensive observation of the atmosphere and land.
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