HJ-1 optical satellites are to be launched firstly in small satellite constellation for environment and

disaster monitoring and forecasting. The status of the operation and application has an important theoretical and

[JP2]practical significance for the development of the subsequent constellation. Based on the data characteristics

of HJ-1[JP] optical satellites such as the temporal, spatial and spectral resolutions , the spectra and the swath

width, and considering the requirements of remote sensing application, the authors have analyzed and estamated the

usability of HJ-1 optical satellites comprehensively. It is held that the HJ-1 optical satellites can meet the

principal working needs in China and its neighboring countries in remote sensing application, and will surely have

a wide application potential.