In a significant advancement for its ocean observation capabilities, China has launched the Haiyang-2E (HY-2E) marine satellite into orbit. This latest addition to the Haiyang-2 series was sent into space on a Long March 4B rocket, which took off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 7:46 a.m. Beijing time on Thursday. This mission marks the 654th launch of the Long March rocket series, underscoring China’s growing prowess in space technology.
The HY-2E satellite, developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), is designed to enhance the country’s first satellite network dedicated to monitoring the marine dynamic environment. It will replace the HY-2B satellite, which has been in operation since 2018, while working alongside the HY-2C and HY-2D satellites. Together, this constellation will provide continuous and detailed data to support marine observation and forecasting services.
Equipped with four advanced microwave remote sensing instruments, the HY-2E satellite will gather essential information about sea surface conditions. This includes monitoring sea surface height, wave height, wind fields, and sea surface temperature. Such data is crucial for improving marine weather forecasting, conducting climate studies, and researching phenomena like El Niño. Scientists anticipate that these capabilities will significantly enhance the accuracy and reliability of ocean-related observations.
Over the past decade, the Haiyang-2 satellite series has been instrumental in disaster prevention, maritime safety, and scientific research. These satellites have provided critical data for tracking typhoons, supporting tsunami early warning systems, and enhancing global numerical weather prediction models. Their contributions have also been vital for marine resource management and strengthening national maritime security efforts.
Beyond weather and climate applications, the Haiyang-2 satellites offer practical advantages for the fishing and shipping industries. The data on ocean currents, wind, and waves help identify productive fishing grounds, enabling vessels to operate more efficiently and reduce costs. Since the HY-2B launch, the satellites have been equipped with an Automatic Identification System (AIS), which allows for continuous tracking of vessel positions, speeds, and identification details, improving navigation safety along busy sea routes.