China has launched a new marine satellite, HY-1C, into space to monitor its maritime waters and study climate change.

The HY-1C satellite was launched onboard a Long March-2C rocket launched from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in the Shanxi province, China.

The launch is the 284th mission carried out using the Long March series of rockets.

According to China’s State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, the satellite will provide data on ocean colour and water temperatures, as well as supply basic information for research on the world’s oceanic environment.

Data sent by HY-1C will also be used to survey the resources and surrounding of China’s offshore waters, islands and coastal zones.

“The satellite will be able to identify chlorophyll and sediment concentrations and dissolved organic matter that can affect ocean colour and temperatures on the sea’s surface.”

The data will help the country to support its marine disaster relief activities and the sustainable use of ocean resources.

Developed by China Spaces under China Academy of Space Technology, HY-1C has a lifespan of five years.

HY-1C chief designer Wang Lili said that the satellite will be able to identify chlorophyll and sediment concentrations and dissolved organic matter that can affect ocean colour and temperatures on the sea’s surface.

The HY-1C satellite is equipped with an imager to forecast and monitor marine environmental disasters, as well as perform other activities.

In 2002, China launched its first marine satellite, HY-1A, which was followed by the launch of HY-1B satellite in April 2007.

Next year, China is expected to launch a new marine satellite, HY-1D, to boost the country’s ocean remote sensing capability.