China launches first remote-sensing satellite monitoring power grid

China launched its first remote-sensing satellite in the power industry specifically designed to monitor and maintain its power grid on Wednesday, a move expected to enhance the safety and efficiency of electricity transmission across the country.

The satellite, coded Jixing High-Resolution 07D01, was sent into orbit by a carrier rocket which blasted off at 12:03 local time from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone near the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.

With a spatial resolution better than 0.5 meters, this satellite enables precise monitoring of the structural conditions of power grid equipment, such as transmission lines and pylons.

The satellite supports diverse applications, from managing ultra-high voltage (UHV) projects and assessing environmental impacts in transmission networks, to inspecting critical power corridors, issuing disaster warnings and evaluating post-disaster damage.

"Once the satellite is operational, it can be applied to 19 categories of scenarios in the future, supporting the construction of major ultra-high-voltage projects such as those transmitting hydropower from southwest China, environmental and water conservation monitoring, survey and design evaluation, as well as intelligent inspection throughout the entire lifecycle of transmission lines, along with disaster prevention and mitigation," said Yang Zhi, director of the power engineering satellite application center of the institute.

The satellite can perform continuous east-west strip observations, covering over 200 kilometers of transmission corridor in a single pass, according to the State Grid Electric Power Engineering Research Institute, one of its designers.

"This satellite improves the precision of transmission line surveys and inspections by approximately fivefold. For corridor monitoring and disaster prediction and warning, it can be seven times more efficient. Particularly for east-west oriented corridors, which this satellite is designed to monitor, it will significantly elevate the grid's emergency response capabilities and survey-and-design proficiency," said Liu Qianwei, president of the institute.

Looking ahead, China plans to launch 15 to 20 more power grid monitoring satellites during the 2026–2030 period, building a comprehensive system that leverages satellite technology to modernize and secure the country's electricity infrastructure.

China launches first remote-sensing satellite monitoring power grid

The second phase of the urban ring greenway in Shijiazhuang City, north China's Hebei Province, was made fully accessible to the public on Wednesday, providing citizens with a new type of urban public space integrating cycling, jogging, and walking.

The greenway was completed after over two years of construction, which started in March 2023. It was carried out in two phases.

The first phase, spanning 51 kilometers, was completed in December 2023. The second phase, 50 kilometers long, saw the final gap successfully connected in the early hours of December 3, following the successful rotation of a swivel bridge spanning the Shijiazhuang-Taiyuan High-speed Railway. The Shijiazhuang ring greenway comprises 55.23 kilometers of pathways and 81 bridges measuring 45.77 kilometers.

Along the route, 18 service stations are planned, with 56 main entrances and exits established. It links the three major water systems, the Hutuo River, Taiping River, and the city's ring water system, and connects 76 parks and gardens along the way.

The cycling and walking paths are clearly separated by a rainbow-colored line, making it an excellent venue for citizens' leisure and fitness activities.

"It really provides us cycling enthusiasts with an excellent sports venue where we can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Shijiazhuang. Even though it's winter now, our enthusiasm for cycling on the ring greenway has not decreased but increased instead," said Zhao Zesong, a cycling enthusiast.

"During the ride, I also noticed there are many service stations, including facilities for bike repairs and rentals, which makes our daily cycling very convenient," said Zhang Luheng, another cycling enthusiast.

Urban ring greenway made fully accessible to public in north China's Shijiangzhuang