China has launched the Zhangheng-1 02 satellite to study electromagnetic fields and support research in earthquake prediction, tsunamis, and space weather. The satellite was launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center.
China Launched Zhangheng-1 02 satellite For Natural Disaster Forecasting
In a major step toward improving Earth observation and natural disaster forecasting, China successfully launched the Zhangheng-1 02 satellite on Saturday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. Officially known as the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite, this spacecraft is designed to monitor and study global electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, and various parameters within the ionosphere and neutral atmosphere.
The satellite is named after Zhang Heng, an ancient Chinese scientist and inventor of the world’s first seismograph. This legacy lives on through the satellite’s mission to explore how electromagnetic signals in Earth’s atmosphere can be used to detect early signs of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, extreme weather conditions, and space weather phenomena.
Zhangheng-1 02 satellite: A Collaborative Scientific Mission
The Zhangheng-1 02 satellite carries a suite of nine scientific payloads, making it a comprehensive platform for monitoring geophysical and atmospheric conditions.
Among these instruments are:
- An electric field detector, developed through a joint collaboration between China and Italy.
A high-energy particle detector, designed by Italian scientists, which will measure radiation and particle activity in space.
These advanced instruments will allow scientists to gather precise data from both the ionosphere and magnetosphere, which are known to be influenced by tectonic activity and solar storms.
Dual-Satellite System for Enhanced Coverage
This launch follows the earlier success of Zhangheng-1 01, which was launched in 2018. With the addition of Zhangheng-1 02, China now has a two-satellite system working in tandem to cover a broader scope of Earth’s electromagnetic environment. The two satellites will coordinate their observations to offer higher temporal and spatial resolution, providing a more reliable basis for geophysical research and real-time monitoring.
By synchronizing data collected from different points in Earth’s orbit, scientists can compare fluctuations in electromagnetic signals more accurately and identify potential patterns or anomalies that may precede natural disasters.
Broader Applications and Global Impact
While the satellite’s primary goal is to aid in earthquake forecasting, its mission goes beyond geophysics. The Zhangheng-1 02 satellite is also expected to contribute valuable insights into:
- Tsunami prediction
- Volcanic activity
- Climate-related extreme weather
Space weather disturbances, including solar flares and magnetic storms
As solar activity increases toward the peak of the current solar cycle, understanding space weather has become especially important for satellite operators, aviation safety, and national infrastructure systems like power grids and navigation networks.
China’s Expanding Role in Space-Based Disaster Research
This launch highlights China’s growing investment in space-based technologies aimed at disaster preparedness and environmental monitoring. The country has developed several satellite constellations in recent years that focus on land observation, marine surveillance, and meteorological research.
With Zhangheng-1 02 now in orbit, China continues to strengthen its position as a leader in using space science for humanitarian and environmental benefit.
News Source:-
https://x.com/CNSpaceflight/status/1933824364203675976?t=OaClH_9LxQDynx5XP8LMvw&s=19
https://english.spacechina.com/
More Details About the Zhangheng-1 02 Satellite and Its Mission
Q1. What is the Zhangheng-1 02 satellite?
Zhangheng-1 02 is a Chinese Earth observation satellite launched to monitor global electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, and related atmospheric parameters. It is officially known as the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite and is designed to support research into earthquake prediction, space weather, and natural disaster forecasting.
Q2. When and where was the satellite launched?
The Zhangheng-1 02 satellite was launched on Saturday, June 2025, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
Q3. Why is it called Zhangheng-1?
The satellite is named after Zhang Heng, an ancient Chinese polymath and the inventor of the first known seismograph. The name reflects the satellite’s purpose in monitoring seismic activity and Earth’s electromagnetic behavior.
Q4. What does the satellite aim to study?
Zhangheng-1 02 is tasked with monitoring:
- Global electromagnetic fields
- Electromagnetic waves in the ionosphereParameters of the neutral atmosphere
Its data will help in the scientific study of: - Earthquakes
- Tsunamis
- Volcanic eruptions
- Extreme weather
Solar activity and space weather
Q5. What are the satellite’s key instruments?
The satellite carries nine scientific payloads, including:
An electric field detector, developed jointly by China and Italy
A high-energy particle detector, designed by Italy
These instruments will help monitor both geophysical and solar-related changes in Earth’s near-space environment.
Q6. How does it work with the earlier Zhangheng-1 01 satellite?
Zhangheng-1 02 will work in coordination with Zhangheng-1 01, launched in 2018. Together, they form a dual-satellite system to enhance observation coverage and provide better time-synchronized data, increasing the accuracy of predictions related to seismic and space activity.
Q7. How will this satellite help in predicting natural disasters?
By analyzing changes in electromagnetic signals in Earth’s upper atmosphere, scientists can study early signs or precursors of major natural events like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. Although it does not guarantee exact predictions, the satellite will provide more scientific data to improve forecasting models.
Q8. Will the satellite benefit other areas besides earthquake studies?
Yes. In addition to seismic monitoring, Zhangheng-1 02 will support:
- Space weather prediction (solar storms, magnetic disturbances)
- Tsunami and volcanic eruption research
- Climate monitoring and extreme weather detection
Enhancing satellite safety and navigation systems through real-time space data
Q9. Is this satellite part of a global collaboration?
Yes. The mission includes international cooperation, particularly with Italy, which contributed to the development of some of the onboard scientific instruments. It reflects China’s growing efforts to work globally in space science and disaster preparedness.
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