China's satellite "Beijing-1", launched from Russia in October last year, started to provide a wide range of remote sensing services on Thursday.

The satellite, weighing 166.4 kilograms, is in an orbit 686 kilometers above Earth, said sources with the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Trials over the last few months showed that Beijing-1 was fully functional.

It will be used to survey land resources, for geological research and water resources research, and to monitor floods and winter wheat, and used by urban planners and archaeologists.

Government departments will also use the satellite during emergencies to aid decision-making of the central government.

Research institutes, colleges and universities, and non-profit organizations will also benefit from the service provided by the satellite in their research programs.

(Xinhua News Agency June 9, 2006)