China Plans to Launch CO2 Monitoring Satellite in 2016

China is planning to launch a global carbon dioxide observatory satellite into space in 2016. All satellite payloads recently finished development of samples.

The CO2-observatory satellite aims to establish a ground-based data processing and verification system, make monitoring more precise than 4ppm, and to become a feasible monitor of the carbon dioxide in China, other major regions, and the world.

The satellite development program comprises five systems, including a satellite system, carrier rocket system, launching site system, measurement and control system, and the ground-based application system.

“The National Satellite Meteorological Center (NSMC) of China Meteorological Administration will take charge of the groundbased application system development of this program, based on that of the FY-3 meteorological satellite. Within this year, the internal testing of the ground-based system, data receiving and processing of ground-based accepting stations, data verification, and new data application will be carried out,” Deputy Director of NSMC Zhang Peng said.