China’s first remote sensing satellite dedicated to water conservancy, “Shuili-1,” has successfully transmitted its inaugural image, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to enhance water resource management. The image, shared on the official WeChat account of the Ministry of Water Resources, showcases the majestic Yellow River as it winds through the Urad Front Banner region of Inner Mongolia.
The detailed snapshot captures the river’s frozen sections, embankments, and intricate drainage systems, providing valuable data for monitoring and analysis. Launched alongside three other synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China’s Shanxi Province on December 17, “Shuili-1” is set to revolutionize water conservancy efforts across the country.
These four SAR satellites will join four previously launched satellites to form a comprehensive constellation. This network aims to provide high-resolution radar imagery data around the clock, supporting various water-related activities. The constellation is expected to be fully operational before the flood season next year, enhancing China’s ability to predict and respond to severe weather events.
According to Chen Deqing, director of the Satellite Remote Sensing Application Center at the Ministry of Water Resources Information Center, “Shuili-1” is designed to provide critical monitoring data for flood and waterlogging disasters, as well as for the safety monitoring of rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and water conservancy projects nationwide.
“Most importantly, the satellite’s monitoring capabilities can penetrate through clouds and rain, making it effective even in harsh weather conditions like storms and rain,” Chen explained. This all-weather capability ensures that essential data can be collected when it’s needed most.
In addition to its advanced sensing abilities, the satellites are equipped with intelligent processing functions. They can process data onboard and transmit the results directly, significantly improving transmission efficiency and timely access to information.
The constellation is designed to integrate data from multiple sources. After processing, it will form a series of specialized products to serve the water conservancy industry, aiding in decision-making and resource allocation.
The successful transmission of the first image by “Shuili-1” underscores China’s commitment to leveraging space technology for sustainable development and disaster prevention. As the constellation becomes fully operational, it is poised to play a crucial role in safeguarding communities and managing water resources effectively.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
