China has officially launched its northernmost satellite data receiving station this week, establishing a critical infrastructure node in Mohe City's -50°C wilderness near the Russian border. The facility's high-latitude position in Heilongjiang Province enables extended tracking of polar-orbiting satellites, potentially increasing daily data reception windows by 40% compared to existing stations.
Engineers clad in extreme cold-weather gear completed final tests this month on the station's 35-meter parabolic antenna, designed to withstand permafrost conditions while monitoring environmental changes across Asia's northern frontiers. The installation strengthens China's Earth observation network ahead of three planned satellite launches in early 2026 focused on climate research.
"This station fills a crucial gap in our real-time monitoring capabilities," said project lead Dr. Wei Liang during the December 11 inauguration ceremony. "From tracking Arctic shipping routes to monitoring Siberian permafrost thaw, the data will support climate models and sustainable development initiatives across the region."
The facility's first operational task involves supporting the China-Russia joint ecological monitoring program, with initial data streams expected to reach international research partners by January 2026.
