The “Beijing-1” and “Beidou-1” satellites provided vital information during recent earthquake relief work.

Satellites Employed in Earthquake Relief Work

As all the world now knows, on May 12 an earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale hit Wen-chuan County, Sichuan Province, in southwest China. The National Remote Sensing Center arranged for the “Beijing-1” satellite to offer the latest image information for earthquake relief work. Another satellite, “Beidou-1,” played a key role during the period communications were down in the afflicted areas, as rescue troops were able to send back situation assessments and rescue information via satellite. During the rescue and relief period, 15 satellites of nine different types were used to provide emergency services, including meteorological cloud atlases, communications and topographical surveys. In circumstances where communication networks and roads are badly damaged, satellite remote sensing techniques can provide vital information on the macro-damage inflicted by disasters, assisting in scientific evaluations and the adoption of appropriate rescue measures.

First Satellite Constellation to Be Launched for Monitoring the Environment and Forecasting Disasters

In August 2008, China will launch its first satellite constellation for monitoring the environment and forecasting disasters. Remote sensing techniques carried out by satellites not only save time and labor, but also provide authoritative information impossible to obtain by other means. A crucial component of the constellation, the “Disaster Reduction Applied System,” is a brand-new multi-satellite monitoring system, designed to provide early warnings and rapid evaluations, which in turn will facilitate quick responses in disaster situations. It is hoped this will greatly enhance China’s disaster relief coordination, as well as the nation’s monitoring and forecasting abilities.

A Chinese contemporaty literature seminar held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.

Torch Relay to Mt. Qomolangma Showcases High-tech Beijing Olympics

The successful Olympic torch relay to Mt. Qomolangma (known as Mt. Everest in English-speaking countries) showcased the advanced technology being applied in the 2008 Beijing Games. The 19-member team reached the summit 8,844 meters above sea level, and successfully lit the torch on the world’s highest peak. The key device involved in this feat was the small lighter used in the relay. In order to provide a flame at the top of Mt. Qomolangma, the lighter needed to function in wind speeds of up to 18 meters per second, and at a temperature of minus 26°C. In fact, the lighter can burn in a hurricane, at temperatures of minus 40°C, and at 0.3 of normal atmospheric pressure. The high-tech lighters and other devices used for the torch relay were developed by China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation.

New Water-cooled Central Air-conditioning System

A new water-refrigerant evaporative central air-conditioning system developed by Hebei Province’s Langfang Hongtian Refrigeration Equipment Co., Ltd. has passed experts’ appraisal. The new system does not require a compressor and only consumes 20 percent of the electricity used by traditional central air-conditioners, making it highly economical in terms of energy and water use.

Langfang Hongtian owns the intellectual property rights on the air-conditioner, which uses the endothermic principle in water evaporation to cool outdoor air before sending it to indoor rooms. With 15 to 40 cycles of air going through a room per hour, the system keeps indoor air fresh and free of harmful germs.

A Chinese contemporaty literature seminar held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.	A Chinese contemporaty literature seminar held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.

High-tech Olympic Tickets

All tickets for the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics are embedded with a tiny chip containing a unique serial number, which can be wirelessly identified by ticket checking machines employing a “secret key.” The checking process takes a fraction of a second.

The “secret key” is encoded with a limited number of visits, after which the ticket will become invalid. The tickets are printed using anti-forging ink, which is not affected even when soaked in water.

A Chinese contemporaty literature seminar held in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.

Drive-through ATM Facilities Introduced in Guangzhou

China Construction Bank set up its first drive-through ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) in Guangzhou recently. The new ATM has a low user interface, allowing drivers to carry out their ATM banking without leaving their vehicles, saving time and the hassle of parking. The ATM is located at the entrance of Lijiang Garden in Panyu District, on National Highway No. 105, one of the key routes to Guangzhou’s tourist attractions. This is also in the center of Panyu’s residential area of 300,000 inhabitants, most of whom are white-collar workers with their own cars. Depending on how popular the drive-through ATM proves to be, China Construction Bank will gradually install similar machines throughout Guangdong Province.