China launched the Pathfinder satellite on Wednesday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.

The satellite is a technology demonstrator for China's "Origins" space science program. Operating in a 600-kilometer sun-synchronous orbit, it will conduct in-orbit tests of key technologies for future space science missions, including the Hongmeng Program and Kuafu-2 mission. After completing its technology verification tasks, it will also carry out space environment monitoring and research.