06 September 2008

U.S. and China Resume Space Cooperation Talks

Craig Covault, U.S. and China Resume Space Cooperation Talks,” Aviation Week & Space Technology, 5 September 2008.

… The advanced technology involved in the new manned Shenzhou and robotic imaging constellation missions, coupled with cooperative space measures by the Chinese government, is a powerful reminder that China continues on the move in space, says Andrew S. Erickson, assistant professor in the Strategic Research Dept. of the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, R.I.

… According to Erickson, Huanjing-1A and -1B will each carry four cameras: two CCD cameras with a resolution of 30 meters (98.4 ft.) and a breadth of 700 km. (435 mi.); an infrared camera with a resolution of 150 meters and a breadth of 720 km., and an “ultralight image-formation meter” with a resolution/breadth of 100 meters/50 km. and a spectrum resolution of 5 naut. mi. The image-formation meter will take readings to aid the CCD and IR cameras. …