China and Brazil are jointly developing the second Sino-Brazilian earth resources satellite (CBERS), which is expected to be launched in late 2001 to replace the first one.
The first one was launched by a Chinese Long March rocket in October last year, which has a life span of two years.
The Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense of China also plans to develop the second generation of CBERS satellites, denominating CBERS 3 and 4.
Sources from the commission said that the first satellite is working normally and providing high-quality photos and data.
China has signed an agreement with Brazil early this year to jointly develop the CBERS 2.
The CBERS 2 has been installed with the improved CCD camera, infrared scanner and broad-sight imaging apparatus.
The commission said that the satellite was made to gather information on the environment, agriculture and urban landscaping and will transmit images and other information to China, Brazil and other countries.
Data and photos transmitted by the satellite can be used in a various fields, such as disaster-prevention and monitoring of geological, oceanic and meteorological conditions.
(www.21dnn.com 10/17/2000)
