Earth observation satellite photos released in HD

(ECNS) -- Last Saturday, China publicized a group of high-definition (HD) pictures obtained by Gaofen-1, the first satellite launched as part of the country's HD Earth observation system.

The 10 photos, released by the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence, feature landscapes of Xinjiang, Gansu, Qinghai, Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Shandong -- at a resolution of up to 2 meters.

In these false-color images that combine shortwave infrared, near infrared, and green light, thick vegetation is bright red, clean water is deep blue and uncultivated land dark grey, all stunningly beautiful.

Gaofen-1, launched on April 26, 2013 from Northwest China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, is the first of five or a possible six satellites to be sent into space as part of an HD Earth observation system between 2011 and 2016.

The satellite will be used for purposes such as land use monitoring, mineral resource development, geological disaster surveying and inspection, as well as environmental evaluation.