"The equipment is backed up by an uninterruptable power supply, so a power outage doesn't happen unless there is a short circuit, leakage, or overload. However, after investigating over the past few days, we didn't find any of these issues," Tang said. The issue was traced to a loose wire in the distribution box, which was promptly repaired.
To mitigate electromagnetic interference, satellite ground stations are strategically located in remote areas. Since the establishment of the first ground station in Beijing's Miyun district in 1986, a network of five stations has emerged across China, spanning Lijiang, Kashgar, Sanya, and Mohe. This extensive network includes 38 large-diameter antennas and over 10 high-speed optical fiber links, setting a global benchmark for scale and technical capacity.
The Lijiang station, completed in September at an altitude of 2,827 meters, has expanded China's ability to receive real-time satellite data across the entire national territory and 70 percent of Asia's landmass. This new capacity enables satellites passing over China to relay data directly to the Beijing headquarters for rapid distribution to users and researchers.
Real-time data reception plays a critical role in environmental monitoring, disaster response, and other applications. For instance, satellites detecting forest fires, earthquakes, or oil spills provide timely information that helps authorities make swift decisions to minimize the impact of such events.
"These aspects may not be directly noticeable in our daily lives, but they are indispensable for the smooth functioning of society and our livelihoods," Tang said.
China's satellite receiving technology now boasts full independent intellectual property rights. Before 1986, Chinese scientists had to purchase remote sensing satellite data at high costs from abroad. Today, equipped with cutting-edge technology, the Lijiang station handles data reception for 26 national satellites with just four antennas, supported by a streamlined team of researchers working in shifts.
Tang highlighted the collaborative monitoring capability between local stations and the Beijing operation center. "This means we only need a few researchers stationed locally, which is the result of continuous development of ground stations over the years," he said.
Tang's journey from working at the Miyun station to leading the Lijiang station reflects his dedication to advancing China's satellite capabilities. During Lijiang's construction phase, Tang and his team conducted rigorous testing, including manual signal transmission from hillsides, to ensure operational precision.
"Finally, witnessing the completion of the antennas, a significant project I was involved in from start to finish, was truly fulfilling," Tang said.
Today, the Lijiang station operates seamlessly, transmitting vast amounts of data to Beijing and ensuring secure and reliable data flows. Tang and his team focus on daily maintenance, ensuring the system remains robust.
"The discoveries and operational experiences in our daily work, each seemingly insignificant, accumulate and eventually lead to a qualitative change. This provides valuable insights for the construction of future satellite receiving stations," Tang said. "This is the significant meaning I see in my daily work - experiences in operations feedback into engineering, facilitating the upgrade and iteration of major scientific research facilities, maintaining our advanced position internationally."
Related Links
Aerospace Information Innovation Research Institute
Space Technology News - Applications and Research
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