China successfully launches earth observation satellite Gaofen-4

Question: What is the total number of satellites which is to be launched by china by the year 2020 as part of the country’s high-definition (HD) earth observation Gaofen project?

(a) 5
(b) 6
(c) 7
(d) 4

Ans (c)

Related facts:

  • On 29 December 2015, China successfully launched its “most sophisticated” observation satellite, Gaofen-4, as part of the country’s high-definition earth observation project.
  • It was launched from the Xichang Satellite Launch Centre in the south-western province of Sichuan.
  • The Satellite was launched aboard a Long March-3B carrier rocket.
  • It was the 222th space flight of the Long March rocket series and China’s 19th space mission in year 2015.

Highlights of Gaofen-4:

  1. Gaofen-4 is China’s first geosynchronous orbit HD optical imaging satellite and the world’s most sophisticated HD geosynchronous orbit remote sensing satellite.
  2. Different from Gaofen-1 and Gaofen-2 in low orbits (600-700 km) around the earth, Gaofen-4 is located at the orbit 36,000 kilometers away from the earth and moves synchronously with the earth.
  3. It will be used for disaster prevention and relief, surveillance of geological disasters and forest disasters, and meteorologic forecast.
  4. The satellite is equipped with a visible light and infrared staring optical imager with a common optical system.
  5. It is designed to operate for eight years.
  • The Gaofen project aims to launch seven high-definition observation satellites before 2020.
  • Gaofen-1, the first satellite of the project, was launched in April 2013.
  • The Gaofen satellites are part of the China High-Resolution Earth Observation System (CHEOS).
  • The Earth Observation System and Data Center of China National Space Administration (EOSDC-CNSA) is responsible for organizing the construction of CHEOS.

Reference:

http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/missions/earth-science/chinese-long-march-3b-rocket-successfully-launches-gaofen-4-earth-observation-satellite/

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/science/china-launches-its-most-sophisticated-observation-satellite/article8041409.ece

http://www.india.com/news/world/china-launches-most-sophisticated-observation-satellite-gaofen-4-820396/