China launches first two satellites of Qinling remote-sensing constellation

(ECNS) -- China launched Qinling-01 and Qinling-02, the first two satellites of the planned Qinling remote-sensing constellation, aboard a Lijian-1 Y18 carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 12:03 p.m. Beijing Time on Sunday.

Developed under the leadership of Northwestern Polytechnical University, the satellites successfully entered their designated orbits.

Qinling-01 and Qinling-02 satellites are mounted on the launch vehicle before liftoff. (Photo provided by Northwestern Polytechnical University)

Each carries a sub-meter resolution panchromatic and multispectral camera and will operate in a 500-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit.

The constellation, planned to include 36 visible light, hyperspectral and synthetic aperture radar satellites, will provide high-resolution remote sensing services for ecological protection of the Qinling Mountains and the Yellow River region. 

(By Helen Mo, intern Yang Hongran)