Two advanced satellites put into service

Deployment will improve capabilities in areas like environment, agriculture

China put two Earth observation satellites into operation on Thursday after testing, saying they will assist in a wide range of public services including environmental protection, air-pollution mitigation, agricultural and forestry surveys and disaster relief.

The Gaofen 5 and 6 satellites are the latest additions to China's high-definition Earth observation satellite network. Their deployment will extensively improve the nation's capability to obtain ground images and data, thereby facilitating social, economic and environmental development, said Zhang Kejian, director of the China National Space Administration. He spoke at a ceremony at the administration's headquarters in Beijing on Thursday.