China launched a Long March 2D carrier rocket early on Friday morning to transport an Earth-observation satellite into space, according to the China National Space Administration.

The rocket blasted off at 2:31 am at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in northern China's Shanxi province and soon placed the Hyperspectral Multifunctional Observation Satellite into a sun-synchronous orbit 705 kilometers above the ground, the administration said in a news release.

The satellite is equipped with scientific equipment that will be used to monitor ecology and environment, survey natural resources, and detect atmospheric elements. Data obtained by the spacecraft will support China's efforts to respond to climate change, it said, noting the main users will be the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the China Meteorological Administration.

Both of the satellite and the rocket used were built by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp, the country' leading space contractor.

Long March 2D is propelled by liquid propellants and has a liftoff thrust of 300 metric tons. It is capable of sending a 1.2-ton spacecraft to a sun-synchronous orbit with an altitude of 700 kilometers.

The launch marked the 453rd flight of the Long March rocket family.

Source: Xinhua News Agency

Related Links
China National Space Agency
Rocket Science News at Space-Travel.Com

Tweet

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The Space Media Network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceMediaNetwork Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceMediaNetwork Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

NASA advances Artemis Moon rocket production for future missions
New Orleans LA (SPX) Dec 08, 2022
NASA is moving forward with Space Launch System (SLS) production and assembly activities for future Artemis missions. The agency is optimizing manufacturing capabilities by enabling SLS core stage lead contractor Boeing to use facilities at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to perform some core stage assembly and outfitting activities beginning with the Artemis III rocket. In tandem, teams will continue all core stage manufacturing activities at NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans ... read more