China launches new ocean observation satellite

Beijing (ANTARA) - China launched a new marine satellite into orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China on Thursday (2/7).

This marks the 654th launch involving the Long March rocket series. The Long March-4B rocket, carrying the Haiyang-2E (HY-2E) satellite, lifted off at 07:46 Beijing Time (06:46 WIB) and placed the satellite into its planned orbit.

The HY-2E satellite was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). As China’s first satellite system dedicated to monitoring the dynamic marine environment, the HY-2 series has provided data services for national marine disaster prevention and mitigation, resource development, maritime security, and oceanographic research for over a decade.

Zhang Qingjun, an expert from CAST, stated that the newly launched HY-2E satellite will replace the HY-2B satellite launched in 2018. It will operate alongside the currently active HY-2C and HY-2D satellites to ensure the stability of China’s marine environmental monitoring services.

The HY-2E satellite is equipped with four microwave remote sensing payloads, capable of accurately acquiring data regarding sea surface height, significant wave height, sea surface wind fields, and sea surface temperature. This provides vital data support for marine weather forecasting and the study of El Niño phenomena.

The HY-2 series has accurately recorded typhoon data during activities impacting China, played a crucial role in early tsunami warnings, and provided data for global numerical weather prediction systems.

Data on wind, waves, and currents obtained from the HY-2 satellite can also assist in analysing major marine fishing grounds, enabling fishermen to locate fish schools accurately and efficiently, thereby increasing catches and reducing offshore operational costs.

An Automatic Identification System (AIS) for ships has also been integrated into the HY-2 series since the HY-2B model, allowing for the continuous collection of data regarding ship positions, speeds, and call signs to enhance navigational safety.