China's Tianlu-1 Satellite Aims to Study Atmospheric Layers
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Synopsis
On January 18, Beijing witnessed the successful launch of the Tianlu-1 satellite by GalaxySpace, designed for atmospheric research. This satellite will enable significant advancements in our understanding of the middle and upper atmosphere, enhancing weather forecasting and climate studies.
Key Takeaways
- Tianlu-1 is designed for limb-sounding detection of the atmosphere.
- It captures high-resolution vertical profiles of key atmospheric parameters.
- The satellite enhances weather forecasting and climate change research.
- It supports independent satellite communication in China.
- The launch is part of a series of significant missions by GalaxySpace.
Beijing, Jan 18 (NationPress) A newly developed atmospheric-sounding satellite, designated Tianlu-1 and produced by China's private satellite manufacturer GalaxySpace, successfully reached its intended orbit on Friday, alongside the launch of two additional satellites into space.
The Tianlu-1 satellite is equipped with high vertical resolution, multi-parameter detection capabilities, and all-weather observation functions. It is specifically engineered for limb-sounding detection of the middle and upper atmosphere, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
As per information from GalaxySpace, this satellite brings forth advanced tools for investigating the middle and upper atmosphere, facilitating the organized collection of spatial datasets that portray vertical profiles of this region.
The middle and upper atmosphere, situated between the maximum altitude reached by conventional aircraft and the minimum orbital height of satellites, remains substantially unexplored and underutilized.
Collecting vital data from this area, including parameters such as atmospheric density, temperature, composition, and wind fields, can greatly improve extreme weather predictions, space weather research, and studies on climate change.
Additionally, it will be instrumental in enhancing aerospace services, according to the company.
“Limb-sounding remote sensing showcases an innovative methodology for space-based atmospheric observation. This technique entails positioning a satellite at a precise orbital altitude, where it conducts layered detection of the middle and upper atmosphere along the tangent direction,” stated Xi Bin, chief executive engineer at GalaxySpace.
He further explained that by examining spectral data derived from atmospheric emissions, scattering, and absorption, the satellite can extract essential physical parameters of the atmospheric layers.
As per GalaxySpace, the satellite is outfitted with three payloads capable of concurrently capturing high-resolution vertical profiles of temperature, atmospheric composition, density, and wind field vectors.
Looking ahead, Xi indicated that a series of detection missions will generate valuable data to enhance China’s independent satellite communication and navigation reliability, while also supporting the deployment and usage of high-altitude platforms.
The resultant data products will aid in the development of accurate atmospheric models, research into environmental change mechanisms, and ionospheric modeling studies, Xi added.
The launch, conducted by a Long March-2D carrier rocket, which marks the 556th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series, successfully propelled Tianlu-1, Lantan-1, and a Pakistani satellite into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
