Satellite to provide data on quakes

China will launch its first electromagnetic earthquake monitoring satellite this year, making it a leading country in the field. The satellite will improve earthquake observation and forecasting, the top earthquake administrative authority said on Wednesday.

"China has established a seismological observation network nationwide, including 1,300 plus observation stations," said Zheng Guoguang, head of the China Earthquake Administration, at a conference showing technological improvements over the years.

The new satellite will be China's first space-based platform for earthquake monitoring. It is designed to remain in orbit for five years and record the electromagnetic signatures of earthquakes above magnitude 6 in China, and quakes above magnitude 7 elsewhere in the world, according to Shen Xuhui, deputy chief of the mission.