China launches satellites to monitor environment

By Xinhua,

Taiyuan (China) : China Saturday launched two satellites into orbit for monitoring the environment and forecasting natural disasters.

---

Support TwoCircles

---

The two satellites, launched from the Taiyuan satellite launch centre in the northern province of Shanxi and carried by a Long March 2C rocket, were expected to enhance the country’s ability to forecast natural disasters, according to Bai Zhaoguang, designer of the satellites.

The satellites, called “Environment-1”, are China’s first ecology monitors in space.

The satellites, with an expected lifespan of two years, were equipped with the most advanced imaging system and infrared cameras.