On June 14th, China launched CSES-2, also known as Zhangheng-2, a collaborative seismo-electromagnetic satellite aimed at improving the detection of electromagnetic precursors to natural disasters. A Long March 2D rocket lifted off from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center at 0756 UTC, successfully deploying the satellite into a 507-kilometer-altitude sun-synchronous orbit.
This mission builds upon the success of CSES-1, launched in 2018. CSES-2 includes upgrades such as an extended design life of six years and enhanced observation capabilities, including a new ionospheric photometer. The satellite carries nine payloads, including an electric field detector developed jointly by China and Italy, and a high-energy particle detector developed by Italy. Austria's Space Research Institute also contributed a scalar magnetometer.
“The satellite has a design life of six years and carries nine payloads, including an electric field detector developed by China and Italy and a high-energy particle detector developed by Italy,” according to the China National Space Administration (CNSA). The satellite will monitor global electromagnetic fields, ionospheric and atmospheric conditions in near real-time, detecting anomalies linked to geological or human activities, as well as weather events.
CSES-2 aims to enhance China’s early warning capabilities for natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and severe storms. Its data will be crucial for risk assessment and improved disaster response. The satellite's orbit is designed to complement that of CSES-1, with a 180-degree phase difference. The U.S. Space Force has cataloged the satellite in a closely matching orbit.
CSES-2 is based on the CAST2000 platform from DFH Satellite Co., Ltd. Early results from CSES-1, as detailed in a January paper in Earthquake Research Advances, showed correlations between electric and magnetic field oscillations, plasma density, and energetic particles with seismic activity and thunderstorms. These observations suggest the potential for space-based electromagnetic monitoring to significantly improve early warning systems.
This launch marked China's 34th orbital launch attempt of 2025.