Observation Capability and Application Prospect of GF-4 Satellite

Abstract

GF-4 satellite is the latest member of China’s high-resolution earth observation system (CHEOS) and the first high resolution remote sensing satellite in geostationary orbit in the world. In this paper, its observation capabilities in spatial, temporal and spectral dimensions were introduced. To take full advantages of these capabilities five operation modes were proposed, i.e. staring mode, cruising mode, sign-in mode, tracing mode, and night mode. Each mode was illustrated by at least one civil application case together with operation recommendation. Further, two issues—data continuity and data stability, which play important roles in satellite data application were discussed. Pertinent on-orbit operation suggestions were also proposed to ensure data continuity, and evaluation models were proposed for data stability. This paper could help in rational use of the satellite and satisfying multiple observation needs.