The "Blue Carbon No 1" ocean satellite, produced by the Geely Satellite Super Factory in Taizhou, Zhejiang province, was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Jan 17.

The manufacturing responsibility for the satellite platform lies with Geespace, a subsidiary of Geely Holding Group.

This satellite is Zhejiang's first maritime satellite, and was developed entirely by the province for its use in marine scientific research and environmental monitoring. Once operational, it will conduct ocean remote sensing, focusing on monitoring water quality and conducting inspections of estuary sewage outlets.

"Based on our self-developed platform, the satellite boasts long-term autonomous operation capabilities in orbit. The platform is versatile, compatible with communication and remote sensing payloads," said Wu Zhihua, a manager of satellite platforms in the company.

Future plans include the delivery of the second and third Zhejiang ocean satellites between 2025 and 2026. Once the three satellites form a network, they will enhance China's marine remote sensing capabilities significantly, allowing for 10-meter resolution remote sensing inspections of coastal regions three times a day.

The Geely Satellite Super Factory in Taizhou Bay New Area is the world's first facility integrating aerospace and automobile manufacturing and has an annual production capacity of 500 satellites. In 2024, 23 satellites delivered by the company had been launched into orbit, solidifying the factory's leading position in China's commercial aerospace industry.

The Geely Satellite Super Factory is located in Taizhou Bay New Area. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]