An initiative to speed up the construction of a comprehensive remote sensing satellite application system for water conservancy has been announced. This system is designed to provide extensive, large-scale, high-frequency, continuous, and precise data collection capabilities.

The Ministry of Water Resources has recently issued the "Overall Plan for the Development of Water Conservancy Remote Sensing Satellite Applications (2026-2035)". The plan outlines the goal of rapidly establishing a satellite application system to deliver stable and reliable space-based data support for the construction of digital twin water conservancy systems.

Development Objectives Outlined

The plan sets forth specific development targets for the satellite application system. By 2030, a preliminary system covering major operational areas is to be established. This system aims to achieve quarterly coverage of sub-meter resolution imagery in key regions and possess the capability for hourly, high-resolution satellite monitoring of major water-related emergencies such as earthquakes, landslide dams, and levee breaches. This is intended to holistically enhance the operational application capacity for water conservancy.

By 2035, the goal is to have a fully developed and comprehensive application system. The coverage capability for sub-meter resolution imagery will be significantly improved, and the rapid monitoring capacity for major water emergencies will be further enhanced. The plan also emphasizes strengthening water quality monitoring for important water source areas and improving all-encompassing, all-space, all-element, and all-weather satellite monitoring and perception capabilities to comprehensively support water conservancy operations.

Comprehensive System Advancement

The plan specifies a coordinated approach to advance the construction of various systems, including satellite resources, data resources, business applications, technological innovation, and technical standards. The strategy involves effectively expanding satellite resources, establishing a centralized, unified platform for aggregating multi-source satellite remote sensing data, broadening the depth and breadth of satellite remote sensing business applications, and promoting the deep integration of satellite remote sensing technology with water conservancy operations.