China's first electromagnetic satellite bears fruitful results

China's first seismo-electromagnetic satellite Zhangheng 1 has obtained fruitful electromagnetic data, according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC).

China launches its first seismo-electromagnetic satellite Zhangheng 1 into a sun-synchronous orbit from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, in Northwest China's Gobi Desert, on Feb 2, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

The satellite has enabled China to obtain a global geomagnetic map and an ionospheric map with its own intellectual property rights.

It has obtained information about global ground artificial sources, magnetic storms and signals of earthquakes above 7 magnitude. It also helps with understanding the coupling mechanisms of the lithosphere, atmosphere and ionosphere.

Shen Xuhui, the chief scientist of the satellite, said China is expected to have three electromagnetic satellites in orbit by 2022, offering support for earthquake forecasting as well as space weather monitoring and warning.

Developed by DFH Satellite Co., Ltd. under the CASC, the satellite Zhangheng 1 was launched on Feb. 2, 2018.

The satellite was named after Zhang Heng, a renowned scholar of the East Han Dynasty (25-220), who pioneered earthquake studies by inventing the first-ever seismoscope in the year 132.