Northeast China’s Jilin Province plans to launch the Jilin-1, the country’s first indigenous remote sensing satellite for commercial use, in October.

China is actively exploring opportunities to boost development in the commercial satellite sector. In less than a month’s time, the country’s first commercial remote sensing satellite will be sent into space.

The Jilin-1 actually consists of four satellites. One is for high-definition images, one for testing new space technology, and the other two for video capturing. In addition to the conventional imaging capabilities, the system will also features rapid imaging and three-dimensional imaging functions. Data will be provided to commercial clients to help them forecast and mitigate geological disasters, as well as shorten the time scale for the exploration of natural resources.

“After the final assembly, we’ve put Jilin-1 into a space simulation environment to conduct mechanical and environmental tests, as well as to exam its electromagnetic compatibility, “said Xu Wei, vice chief engineer of Changchun Satellite Technology.”These are crucial tests the satellite must pass before we can give the go-ahead,”

Jilin province, once the country’s oldest industrial base, is developing its satellite industry as a new economic drive. The province plans to launch 60 satellites by 2020. And the development of the country’s first remote sensing satellite for commercial use is getting off to a good start.