China launches new satellite to enhance global high-precision mapping

China successfully launched the Gaofen-14 02 satellite at 11:55 a.m. on Sunday from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province. The satellite was carried by a Long March-3B rocket and entered its planned orbit, marking a complete success for the mission.

The Gaofen-14 02 satellite is capable of efficiently acquiring high-precision 3D imagery on a global scale. It will be used to produce large-scale digital topographic maps, digital elevation models, digital surface models and orthophoto images. The data will support national economic and defense development, as well as major initiatives such as the Belt and Road.

The launch marked the 603rd flight mission of the Long March rocket series.