China commissioned hyperspectral satellite
The People’s Republic of China, after a series of orbital tests, successfully commissioned a hyperspectral satellite designed for Earth observation – as reported by China’s National Space Administration, TASS reports
The Gaofen-5 01A satellite was sent into orbit on December 9th, 2022. The spacecraft was put into operation after a long series of tests with various payloads, including a short-wave hyperspectral camera. Hyperspectral imaging is based on measuring a wide spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, enabling to collect precise information about the observed object.
China plans to use the satellite in a variety of industries, including environmental monitoring of the atmosphere, mineral resource exploration, crop yield assessment, and climate research, the agency notes. Moreover, the satellite is equipped with on-board devices for monitoring air, water and land for dynamic study of environmental pollution. The spacecraft will enable China to strengthen its efforts to protect the environment and achieve carbon neutrality in the future, the China National Space Administration said.
