China to launch new marine surveillance satellites in 2019

China will launch a new "constellation" of marine surveillance satellites in 2019 to monitor ships, oil rigs, marine disasters and land-based resources.

According to Lin Mingsen, deputy director with the National Satellite Ocean Application Service, the HY-3 "constellation" will include a series of satellites that employ synthetic aperture radar technology, "capable of operating day or night... and in all weather conditions."

The satellites will be able see meter-long objects from space and generate high-definition imagery of both land and ocean surfaces, Lin said.

He said the satellites would be used to monitor ships and drilling platforms, in addition to marine oil spills, sea ice, ocean waves and surface winds among other features.

"They will play an important role in reinforcing China's marine rights protection, marine law enforcement and supervision, management of its offshore waters and marine disaster relief and reduction," Lin said.