China on Monday launched a methane monitoring commercial satellite, the first one of its kind developed by the country, to track methane emissions worldwide.
Aboard by a Lijian-1 Y5 commercial carrier rocket together with 14 other satellites, the Xiguang-004 satellite was launched at 12:03 (Beijing Time) and has entered the planned orbit.
Carrying multiple payloads, including a methane concentration detector and an imaging camera, the satellite is capable of identifying sources of methane emissions in coal mines, landfills, and oil and gas fields.
"We focus on the specific point-source of methane emissions, such as a specific mining area, an industrial zone, or a section of the pipelines. The application scenario serves as a supplement to China's carbon monitoring satellites providing detailed perspectives on emissions," said Qin Xiaobao, deputy head of the data application department of the satellite's developer Xiopm Space.
Scientists say that in the process of global warming, the intensity of warming caused by methane is much higher than that of carbon dioxide. In a 20-year time scale, the intensity of warming caused by methane is 84 times that of carbon dioxide.
Xiguang-004 is also the world's first monitoring satellite specifically designed to focus on methane gas.
It can conduct high-frequency, high-precision observations of point-source methane leaks and emissions globally, providing technical support for the establishment of a comprehensive methane emission monitoring system.
"Our satellite is specifically designed to focus on methane gas emissions, setting the goals and direction for global methane monitoring. This initiative aligns with the needs of our nation [of achieving zero-carbon emissions] and addresses critical objectives related to global environmental change," said Li Zhizhong, academician from the International Academy of Astronautics.
China launches methane monitoring commercial satellite
Permanent representative of Israel to the United Nations (UN) Danny Danon on Thursday denied that any discussions had occurred between Israel and the UN regarding delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Danon made these remarks at the UN headquarters in response to a query from a China Central Television (CCTV) reporter about the ongoing failure to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Israel blocked the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza on March 2, following the end of the first phase of a January ceasefire deal with Hamas. It resumed attacks on Gaza on March 18.
With no food, no supplies, and no relief in sight, Gazans have been enduring a relentless fight for survival.
In response to mounting international condemnation, Israel has proposed that its military take over the distribution of aid - a move widely criticized by the international community.
Briefing a Security Council meeting on Tuesday, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher noted that the UN has met for over 12 times with the Israeli authorities regarding the latter's proposed aid distribution model, yet no solution had been found.
Danon, however, stated that no discussions have taken place in recent weeks regarding the issue.
"I don't know about that. Actually I listened to Mr. Fletcher's remarks at the Security Council the other day, and I can tell you that he visited Israel but he had no discussion about that fund because it was way back and in the last few weeks there was no dialogue about that. I would expect UN officials to engage when they want to speak about issues they know how to reach us, they know how to reach the U.S. mission. We are here to engage," he said.
"They got some information from the media, I assume. But I think they should look into that and to realize that if they want to be involved, that is the way to be involved," he added, reiterating that the UN has not reached out.
In response to Danon's denial, the United Nations reaffirmed its position, standing by the public statement released by Fletcher.
"I heard what he said, and we stand by what Mr. Fletcher has said," Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General noted later on the day, commenting on Danon's statement.
"Mr. Fletcher gave the details," he continued.
Israel envoy denies discussions with UN on enabling Gaza aid deliveries
