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China Launches ‘Zhangheng 1‑02’ Satellite to Boost Natural‑Disaster Early Warning Systems.

Science and Technology | Dated: 18 Jun 2025

On 14 June 2025, China successfully launched Zhangheng 1‑02, an electromagnetic monitoring satellite, aboard a Long March 2D rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. Crafted in collaboration with Italy, the satellite enhances China’s space-air-ground integrated approach for tracking geological and atmospheric risks.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Zhangheng 1‑02, also known as CSES‑02 (China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite‑02), operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit with a 6-year lifespan. It carries nine scientific payloads, including Chinese-Italian electric field detectors and high-energy particle sensors from Italy.
  • - The satellite performs quasi–real-time detection of global electromagnetic fields, ionospheric status, and the neutral atmosphere. It captures aberrations due to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, extreme weather, lightning, and space weather events.
  • - Data from Zhangheng 1‑02 aids scientists in correlating physical-field anomalies with geological events, bolstering earthquake, tsunami, and volcanic eruption prediction. It sharpens China’s early-warning, risk assessment, and emergency response systems.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Paired with Zhangheng 1‑01 (launched in 2018), this new satellite enables synchronized observations, improving horizontal spatial and temporal resolution—leading to more accurate mapping of ionospheric and electromagnetic disruptions.
  • (ii) The joint mission deepens Sino–Italian collaboration in payload development, data exchange, and research. Italian scientists praised the mission as a milestone that mirrors Matteo Ricci’s historic East–West cultural exchange.
  • (iii) Marking China’s 581st Long March launch, the satellite signals Beijing’s commitment to resilient infrastructure under its civil-space roadmap. It supports global disaster management, Belt and Road partners, and secures telecommunications and navigation networks, while setting the stage for a future satellite constellation.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which country recently launched the Zhangheng 1‑02 satellite to enhance natural disaster monitoring capabilities?

Correct Answer: China

🚀 Quick Recap:

About China

  • President: Xi Jinping
  • Capital: Beijing