China has unveiled a group of four commercial remote-sensing satellites, marking a significant step in the country's aim of fostering its remote-sensing space technology.
Named "Jilin-1" satellites, the group include one optical remote-sensing satellite, one satellite dedicated for image technique testing, and two more for video imaging.
Chang Guang Satellite Technology Co. Ltd. made all four satellites, which were launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China's Gansu Province.
According to a statement, the satellite maker will also oversee Jilin-1's commercial operations to provide remote-sensing data and other relevant items, which can be utilized for resources monitoring, surveying and development.
The statement added that the services of the satellites may also include mapping and disaster prevention for both domestic and overseas clients.
The Jilin-1 satellites were carried by a Long March-2D rocket, the 213th mission carried out with the said series of carrier rockets.
Xuan Ming, Chang Guang's board chairman, remarked that "satellites are no longer far removed from people's lives."
"In the near future, more information provided by the satellites will be shared, and more satellite functions will be explored," Xuan added.
Jilin, one of the oldest industrial bases in the country, has been boosting its satellite industry as a way to fuel economic growth. Its provincial government is one of the sponsors of the Chang Guang, which eyes to unveil 60 more satellites by 2020 and 137 by 2030.
Among the firm's other sponsors are the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, as well as a number of private companies.