China asks ISRO, others for quake-related satellite images

China has asked space agencies across the world for help in obtaining quake-related satellite data, for aiding relief operations in the country.

China has asked space agencies across the world including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for help in obtaining quake-related satellite data, for aiding relief operations in the country.

China’s disaster relief authority has sought domestic and international help in getting quake-related data collected by satellites, the state media reported.

As it launched all out efforts to grapple with the impact of the devastating earthquake, the State Disaster Relief Commission (SDRC), a member of the International Charter “Space and Major Disaster”, has sent out a request for satellite data to Charter members, including ISRO.

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The other members are the European Space Agency, the United States Geological Survey, the Canadian Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, official Xinhua news agency said.

Japan responded first by providing satellite images of the area hit by the earthquake of 7.8 magnitude that wrought havoc in Sichuan province killing thousands and leaving several thousand more trapped or buried.

Japan’s satellite data contained the first large-scale images of the quake-affected areas from space, official Xinhua news agency said.

China joined the International Charter “Space and Major Disaster” in May last year. The Charter, using members’ satellites, provides a unified system of space data acquisition and delivery to those affected by disasters to help in relief efforts.

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SDRC has also sought the data from commercial high-definition satellites used by China’s domestic operators.

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