JILIN-1 [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

China's first self-made, high-resolution remote-sensing satellite for commercial use, the JILIN-1, was launched and put into service in October 2015 by Chang Guang Satellite Technology (CGST), based in the Changchun New Area.

"This is the first launch of the JILIN-1 Satellite networking project. Before 2020, 60 satellites are planned to be operating in orbit. Updating information about any target location all over the world will be in less than 30 minutes," Xuan Ming, president of CGST, told members of "Jilin through the eyes of overseas Chinese media" that visited CGST on May 26.

JILIN-1 boasts many of China's firsts, including "China's first self R&D high-resolution commercial satellite", "China's first self R&D integral satellite" and "China's first R&D high definition video satellite". It is also the first satellite to be named after a province.

JILIN-1 satellite group consists of 4 satellites - one Jilin-1 Optical Satellite A, two Jilin-1 Agile Video Satellites and one Jilin-1 Technology Test satellite, which shows Jinlin's strength in the research and development of high-tech, communication, equipment manufacturing and astronavigatory information.

According to Xuan, the company plans to launch 30 satellites every year for a total of 138 satellites expected to be in orbit by 2030. "By that time, updating information about any target location all over the world will be in less than 10 minutes," Xuan added.

Background

Chang Guang Satellite Technology [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co Ltd was founded on December 1, 2014 in the city of Changchun, Jilin province. The company designs, manufactures and operates high-resolution optical remote sensing satellites and UAVs, provides core functional parts for satellites and UAVs, and receives, processes and distributes high-resolution remote sensing data including satellite and UAV photos and videos and other derived services.

CGST has co-founded a capital fund called Jilin Province Aerospace Information Innovation and Venture Capital Fund, costing 500 million yuan in total. Jilin provincial government and Changchun municipal government support the investment in order to develop advanced aerospace products.