China’s Satellite Success
HY-1A, China's first marine satellite, has sent back data on ocean colour, water temperatures and coastal zones since it was launched in May last year. Since September last year, the satellite has monitored large sea areas of China, the Pacific, Indian, Atlantic and Arctic oceans, as well as the North and South poles. In addition, a large number of remote sensing images on water colour have been obtained. Meanwhile, the satellite has monitored many marine disasters, including red tides along China's coast. As part of the marine environment monitoring system, the satellite has also played an important role in curbing marine pollution and boosting the marine economy. Developed by the Chinese Institute of Space Technology, the satellite was launched from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center, in north China's Shanxi Province, on 15th May 2002.