BEIJING, Feb. 9 -- Chinese researchers have unveiled a novel application of the Earth science satellite SDGSAT-1 for observing offshore oil and gas platforms.

The study, led by researchers from the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), was recently published in the International Journal of Digital Earth.

As global demand for oil rises and the industry moves toward decarbonization, tailored monitoring of oil and gas platforms has become increasingly necessary. However, tracking these platforms in vast and dynamic oceanic regions has long posed challenges.

The researchers used the SDGSAT-1's Glimmer Imager and Thermal Infrared Spectrometer to track gas flaring activities in the South China Sea...