On 11 January, CEODE(The Center for Earth Observation and Digital Earth, Chinese Academy of Sciences)’s Miyun Ground Station received the first track of satellite imaging data from the ZY3 satellite and implemented real-time recording and large capacity optical data transmission. A total of 56.6 GB of image data were received in nearly ten minutes. A dual-polarized, high-bitrate technology was applied for the first time in a remote sensing satellite ground system to receive the satellite data, which indicated that China's land observation satellite data reception technology had entered a new level of development. The successful data reception from the ZY3 satellite provided a guarantee for applications in follow-up surveying and mapping of high-resolution satellite data in China.

The ZY3 satellite fills the gaps in China's civilian mapping satellites and serves as a milestone in enhancing China’s independent access to high-resolution geospatial information and resolving the strategic shortage of fundamental geographic information resources. The ZY3 satellite is the most demanding in terms of data processing. As the only unit for receiving the ZY3 satellite’s data, CEODE implemented key technology research and trials with unremitting efforts. In 2011, CEODE completed the transformation of emergency equipment, the joint experiment of a satellite assembly plant and receiving system testing and inspection of Miyun and Kashar stations in cold conditions to ensure proper data reception. Meanwhile, the centre organized a satellite launch and in-orbit testing working group of about 50 researchers to make plans for data reception, recording, transmission, communication and other logistical support. After the sucessful launch of ZY3 satellite on 9 January, the Miyun, Kashgar and Sanya stations have been capturing tracks of data by that night. Miyun Station’s completion of a link test between the satellite and ground, receiving high bitrate spot beam signals, verified the technical status of the ground receiving system and laid a solid foundation for receiving the ZY3 satellite’s real-time image data.

Following the first imaging track received by Miyun station on 11 January, Sanya and Kashgar stations each received their first dual-polarized, high-bitrate imaging data. Representatives from the National Administration of Surveying, Mapping and Geoinformation, China Academy of Space Technology, and the China Centre for Resources Satellite Data and Application witnessed this historic moment.