Applications of the small satellite constellation for environment and disaster monitoring and forecasting

Small Satellite Constellation for Environment and Disaster Monitoring and Forecasting (SSCEDMF), loaded with the Charge Coupled Device (CCD), hyperspectral imager (HSI), infrared scanner (IRS), and S band Synthetic Aperture Radar (S-SAR), featuring large width, high revisitation rate, and medium spatial resolution, is an important part of China’s earth observation system. On 6 September 2008, China successfully launched two small optical satellites (HJ-1-A/B) of SSCEDMF. Since then, the Office of the China National Committee for Disaster Reduction has, according to the demand of disaster reduction and relief, actively organized the application of these satellites for disaster reduction, established a sound system of products applying space technology in disaster reduction, and included HJ-1-A/B into the national system of disaster reduction and alleviation decision-making support services. This has played an important role in the monitoring and early warning of emerging major natural disasters at home and abroad.