China to launch first remote sensing Luojia-1A satellite capable of detecting high-lighted structures

First remote sensing satellite will be launched by China capable of detecting large lighted structures on the ground at night. Scientists at Wuhan University in Hubei province is developing the Luojia-1A, a 10-kilogramme mini satellite that will carry a highly sensitive night light camera with a 100-meter ground image resolution, Li Deren, chief scientist of the project was quoted as saying by state-run China News Service.

China will be launching the satellite this year, the satellite will be capable of detecting high- lighted structures from the observational area, such as bridges over the Yangtze River, Li, a professor of remote-sensing surveys at the university and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said.

Professor also added that images taken by Luojia-1A will be clearer than those by US-developed satellites. He said that Luojia-1A will help economic planners and analysts to provide data to policymakers when they determine overseas trade measures, Li said.

According to the reports Luojia-1B is being designed by Wuhan University along with China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp and plans to send the satellite to orbit in 2019.