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Applications and military

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Abstract

The success of communications satellites encouraged China to develop a range of applications satellites for weather forecasting in both polar and geostationary orbit (Fengyun, Yunhai), Earth resources (Gaofen, Gaojing, Ziyuan, Jilin), marine surveillance (Haiyang), mapping (Tianhui), climate change (Tansat) and navigation (Beidou, Compass). These activities involved cooperation with other countries, such as Brazil (CBERS). China also developed a multitude of minisatellites (Chuangxin, Lixing, Banxing, Lingqiao) and there is also a range of military satellites, for example for Earth observations and electronic intelligence (Yaogan) and interception (Shijian). These programs, their outcomes, value and significance are described in this chapter, with tables for each.

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Harvey, B. (2019). Applications and military. In: China in Space. Springer Praxis Books(). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-19588-5_6

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