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China has made its second launch in less than a week. The Hai Yang-2A (Ocean-2A in Mandarin) ocean observation satellite was launched from LC-2 of the Tai Yuan Satellite Launch Center at 2257 UTC on August 15th (6:57 a.m. local time on the 16th). The satellite, which weighs about 1 tonne, carries an altimeter dual-frequency in Ku and C-bands, a scatterometer and a microwave imager for monitoring the dynamic ocean environment and detecting the sea surface wind field, sea surface height and sea surface temperature. These measurement will improve China's ability to detect tsunamis, storms and improve their weather forecast models, as well as investigating the effects of ocean dynamics on marine sea life. It also carries a prototype laser communication payload for testing, as well as a camera build by France for accurate orbit determination.
Links:
Gunter's Space Page: Haiyang 2 series
Rui Barbosa, NASASpaceFlight.com: China’s surge continues with HaiYang-2A launch via Long March 4B
(in Chinese) 9ifly aerospace forum discussion thread
Stephen Clark, Spaceflight Now: Chinese marine observation satellite placed in orbit
(in Chinese) HY-2A Project Special Coverage Page by China's State Oceanic Administration
Launch Images:
Launch Video (in Chinese):
Link
Links:
Gunter's Space Page: Haiyang 2 series
Rui Barbosa, NASASpaceFlight.com: China’s surge continues with HaiYang-2A launch via Long March 4B
(in Chinese) 9ifly aerospace forum discussion thread
Stephen Clark, Spaceflight Now: Chinese marine observation satellite placed in orbit
(in Chinese) HY-2A Project Special Coverage Page by China's State Oceanic Administration
Launch Images:
Launch Video (in Chinese):
Link
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