The launch of the Zhangheng 1B satellite marks a new breakthrough in China’s ability to monitor geophysical phenomena from space. This satellite was carried by a Long March 2D rocket rocket from the Jiuquan base, and was successfully placed into orbit last weekend.
Zhangheng 1B satellite technology
Zhangheng 1B was designed to operate for six years and integrates nine state-of-the-art scientific instruments. Among them are electric field and high-energy particle detectors, jointly developed by Chinese and Italian institutions. This configuration will allow near real-time measurements of electromagnetic waves, variations in the ionosphere and neutral atmosphere conditions.
Through its advanced space observation capabilities, the satellite will contribute to the detection of anomalies caused by earthquakes, thunderstorms and other geophysical hazards. Moreover, the information collected will be instrumental in improving early warning systems and risk assessment in vulnerable regions.
Zhangheng 1B will operate in synchrony with its predecessor, Zhangheng 1A, which was launched in 2018 and continues to operate. This simultaneous observation strategy from different orbital points will improve the temporal and spatial resolution of the collected data, allowing to detect electromagnetic patterns with higher accuracy.
Both satellites are part of a comprehensive space-to-air-ground monitoring system that supports emergency management and urban planning, and supports international scientific research.
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Source and photo: CNSA
