Zhangheng 1-02 satellite launches with Italian instruments

The China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on June 14. The launch was declared a complete success.

Also known as the Zhangheng 1-02 satellite, the satellite gets its name from the Chinese inventor of the seismograph, Zhang Heng. The satellite will monitor global electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic waves and related parameters of the ionosphere and neutral atmosphere structure. It will also support research to help predict earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, extreme weather, and space weather events.

The Zhangheng 1-02 satellite carries nine payloads, including an electric field detector jointly developed by China and Italy, as well as a high-energy particle detector developed by Italy.

The Zhangheng 1-01 and Zhangheng 1-02 satellites will work together for enhanced observation.