China Pushing Ahead on Hi-Res Satellite System

摘要

China's push into high-resolution optical Earth observation through its seven-satellite CHEOS system is slightly delayed but will see the launch of a second satellite this year and three more satellites by 2016, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said. The China High-Resolution Earth Observation System, whose first satellite, Gaofen-1, was launched in April 2013 aboard a Chinese Long March 2D rocket, includes airborne instruments and what CNSA calls a "near-space airship," apparently a high-altitude balloon, equipped with optical, laser and synthetic-aperture radar payloads, CNSA said.