China launches two test satellites for Earth observation

Home

China

World

Politics

Business

Sci-Tech

Health

Opinions

Video

Live

Radio

World Asia-Pacific Middle East Europe Americas Africa

By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.

I agree

A Long March-2D rocket, carrying Shiyan-30 03 and 04 satellites, lifts off from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center, Sichuan Province, China, March 13, 2026. /CMG

China launched two new satellites from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in its southwest Sichuan Province on Friday.

A Long March-2D rocket, carrying the test satellites Shiyan-30 03 and 04, blasted off at 6:33 a.m., and has sent the satellites into preset orbit.

Developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), the satellites will be mainly used for experimental verification of Earth observation technologies.

The Long March-2D rocket, also developed by the SAST, is a two-stage carrier rocket fueled by liquid propellant.

It is capable of deploying single or multiple satellites into different orbits, and has the capacity to send a payload of 1.3 tonnes to a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 700 kilometers.

The launch marks the 632nd flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series.

Open in CGTN APP for better experience

Search Trends