China launched a carbon tracking satellite on early Thursday in its latest bid to curb the level of green house gases across the world, state media Xinhua reported.

Xinhua said that the satellite was propelled into the orbit via a Long March-2D rocket from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, which is reportedly located in the north-western Gobi Desert.       

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Yin Zengshan, chief designer of the satellite, said that 'TanSat' satellite weighs roughly 620 kilograms and will now operate in sun synchronous orbit, which is located about 700 km (435 miles) above the earth.

The satellite will keep a tab on the level of carbon dioxide by constantly monitoring its concentration and distribution in the atmosphere.

The indigenous weather satellite is also carrying a high-resolution micro-nano satellite and two spectrum micro-nano satellites. These micro-nano satellites will reportedly help in agricultural and forestry monitoring. 

As per the information available, TanSat satellite will take readings of global carbon dioxide level after every 16 days. The launch comes amid unrelenting smog that has severely affected the lives across Northern China for the past several days.

The unforgiving smog, according to environmentalists, signifies the growing menace of air pollution that has taken the lives of millions in China. This view has been fully validated by a recent Greenpeace report that claimed the highest number of air pollution victims in 2015 resided in China and India.

Many analysts see the latest satellite launch as a part of China's commitment to the Paris climate agreement. The crucial climate agreement, signed by nearly 200 countries in 2015, was ratified by Chinese parliament earlier this year. The agreement aims to bring down the level of global green house gases.      

Tagschinese space program, china, china satellite, China Global Warming