China launches satellite to monitor global gas emissions

China has launched a 620-kg satellite TanSat into orbit to monitor global carbon dioxide levels to understand climate change. The satellite was put into orbit by Long March-2D rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre located in Gobi Desert. Apart from TanSat satellite, a high-resolution micro-nano satellite and two spectrum micro-nano satellites for agricultural and forestry monitoring were also launched. The satellite placed in the sun-synchronous orbit will monitor the concentration, distribution and flow of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. It will monitor global carbon dioxide levels every 16 days accurate to atleast 4 parts per million (ppm). With this launch, China has become the third country after Japan and the US to monitor greenhouse gases with the help of its own satellite.