The world's first low-altitude gravity measurement system based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) made its public debut at the ongoing 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, or Airshow China 2024.
The system, developed by China State Shipbuilding Corporation's (CSSC) 707th Research Institute, was showcased at the event in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, where 1,022 companies from 47 countries and regions have gathered for the six-day event.
At the CSIC booths, the eight-rotor drone appears to be conventional, but it carries specialized equipment that sets it apart from other commercial UAVs.
"It is integrated with a high-precision gravity sensor. When the gravity changes, the gravity sensor can reflect the change of the Earth's gravitational field through high-precision current detection," said Chu Ning, head of gravity survey technology at 707th Research Institute CSSC, developer of the system.
Gravimetry is the measurement of the strength of a gravitational field, according to different purposes or requirements. Gravimeters may be used when either the magnitude of a gravitational field or the properties of matter responsible for its creation are of interest.
Measuring accurate gravity data can not only help aircraft and rockets and other aerospace spacecraft to calculate the trajectory and speed, but also help scientists carrying out scientific research in physics, geology and other fields.
"The UAV-based gravity measurement system features high precision, high measuring efficiency, wide coverage area, and it can make up the inaccessibility of manpower. It can be widely used in earth science research, including resource exploration and other fields. It fills a gap in the field of low altitude gravity measurement technology," said Song Chao, head of marketing department at 707th Research Institute.
World's first UAV gravity measurement system debuts at Airshow China
The U.S. military strike against Venezuela and capture of its president, Nicolas Maduro, has shocked the international community, triggering a steady stream of condemnation and serious concerns worldwide.
Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay and Spain issued a joint statement on Sunday, expressing serious concern about and firm opposition to the U.S. unilateral military operations in Venezuela.
The U.S. actions contravene fundamental principles of international law, particularly the prohibition on the use or threat of force, and respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, as enshrined in the UN Charter, constituting an extremely dangerous precedent against peace and regional security, according to the statement.
In expressing profound concern and firm rejection, the six countries stressed in the statement that the situation in Venezuela must be resolved exclusively by peaceful means, and through dialogue, negotiation and respect for the will of the Venezuelan people in all its expressions, without external interference and in accordance with international law.
Only an inclusive political process, led by Venezuelans, can lead to a democratic, sustainable solution that respects human dignity, according to the statement.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the U.S. raid in Venezuela as a violation of international law, adding that the Spanish government always advocates and defends international law and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
Addressing a meeting of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez demanded the unconditional and immediate release of Maduro and his wife.
Noting that Latin America and the Caribbean are a zone of peace, he expressed his firm opposition to the use of force, which is an unshakable principle.
Any aggression against Venezuela shall be regarded as an attack against all CELAC member states, and nations must collectively oppose it, he stressed.
The South African government denounced the U.S. attack on Venezuela as a violation of international law, according to a statement released on Sunday.
History has repeatedly demonstrated that military invasions against sovereign states yield only instability and deepening crisis, the statement said.
South Africa calls on the UN Security Council to urgently convene a session to address this situation, according to the statement.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said what happened in Venezuela demonstrates that international law and the UN Charter are losing their practical effectiveness.
U.S. military action against Venezuela marks a dangerous precedent, as similar actions could be taken against any other nations, he said.
In addition, the foreign ministries of Namibia, Singapore, Oman and Pakistan also issued statements on the same day, expressing grave concern over U.S. interference in Venezuela's internal affairs.
They emphasized the need to uphold international law and the principles of the UN Charter while respecting Venezuela's sovereignty.
They also called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve the crisis through peaceful dialogue.
U.S. move against Venezuela sparks condemnation, concerns worldwide
