ZY-1 earth resource satellite is an indigenously-developed, first-generation earth resource satellite. According to a joint agreement reached in 1988 by Chinese and Brazilian governments, a China-Brazil earth resource satellite (referred to as CBERS) was scheduled to be developed by both countries based on ZY-1.

ZY-1 is primarily used for monitoring the change of land resources; estimation of forest reserve, the growing trend of agricultural crops, flood situation and loss of earthquake; providing real-time message involving coastal economic development, beach utilization, aquiculture and environmental pollution; conducting survey of underground resources for proper development and utilization. With a weight of 1450kg, ZY-1 has a 2-year service life. It’s operated in a Sun-synchronous orbit, with a height of 778 km, inclination of 98.5 degrees, orbit cycle of 100.26m, return period 26d, and local time of descending point: 11:20. This rectangular, three-axis stabilized satellite is assembled through single-fin solar Panel, and operated in S-band and ultra-short wave TTC system.

ZY-1 was successfully launched by CZ-4B carrier rocket on October 14th, 1999.