Haiyang-1, China's first marine satellite, has been working soundly
since it was launched three months ago, claimed scientists after a
recent test assessment in Beijing.
The satellite is used to monitor seawater color and temperature
through remote sensing technology.
Developed by the Chinese Institute of Space Technology, the
satellite was launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, in
north China's Shanxi Province, on May 15.
Test data show the major technology index of the satellite has met
pre-set requirements and the satellite is working well with the
ground control system.
Haiyang-1 has transmitted a number of images back to the Earth in
the past three months.
China will develop a series of marine satellites after the
Haiyang-1. They will have three major functions - to inspect color
changes in seawater, monitor the dynamics of the ocean environment
and general surveillance of the ocean environment.
(People's Daily
September 6, 2002)