In a significant advancement for ocean observation and environmental monitoring, China has launched the Haiyang-2E (HY-2E) marine satellite into orbit. This new addition to China’s satellite fleet was propelled into space by 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 represents the 654th launch in the history of the Long March rocket family, underscoring China’s growing capabilities in space technology.
The HY-2E satellite, developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST), joins China’s first satellite network dedicated to observing the dynamic marine environment — the Haiyang-2 series. This latest model is set to take over from the HY-2B satellite, which was launched in 2018, while working in conjunction with the existing HY-2C and HY-2D satellites. Together, these satellites form a constellation that provides continuous data crucial for marine observation and forecasting services.
Equipped with four sophisticated microwave remote sensing instruments, the HY-2E satellite is tasked with collecting detailed information on various sea surface conditions. Its payloads are designed to monitor sea surface height, wave height, wind fields, and sea surface temperature. This data is invaluable for marine weather forecasting, climate studies, and research into climatic phenomena such as El Niño. The satellite is expected to enhance the precision and dependability of ocean-related observations.
Over the past decade, the Haiyang-2 satellite program has been pivotal in disaster prevention, maritime safety, and scientific research. These satellites have been instrumental in tracking typhoons, supporting tsunami early warning systems, and enhancing global numerical weather prediction models. Their data has also supported marine resource management and national maritime security efforts, highlighting their broad utility.
Beyond weather and climate applications, the Haiyang-2 series offers practical benefits to the fishing and shipping industries. Data on ocean currents, wind, and waves assist in identifying productive fishing grounds, enabling more efficient and cost-effective operations. Since the launch of the HY-2B, the satellites have included an Automatic Identification System (AIS), which continuously tracks vessel positions, speeds, and identification details. This feature significantly enhances navigation safety across busy sea routes, demonstrating the multifaceted advantages of China’s satellite advancements.