China launches new remote sensing satellite

China on Sunday successfully launched a new remote sensing satellite from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province, reported Xinhua.

A modified version of the Long March-6 carrier rocket carrying the satellite Yaogan-40 lifted off at 12:30 p.m. (Beijing Time).

The satellite has entered the preset orbit. It will be used for electromagnetic environment detection and related technical tests.

The rocket in Sunday's mission is a new generation solid-liquid bundled medium-sized carrier rocket developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology. The first and second stage of the rocket uses non-toxic and pollution-free liquid oxygen kerosene propellant and has four 2-meter diameter two-stage solid boosters.

The modified version of the Long March-6 carrier rocket series can have multiple configurations by adjusting boosters to meet satellite launching needs.

Last March, the first flight of the modified Long March-6 carrier rocket was a success. Last November, the rocket made another flight, becoming China's first new generation of carrier rocket that was put into operation in the same year following its maiden flight.

Compared to the previous two missions, the rocket is almost 55 meters tall, more than 5 meters higher than the last two.

Sunday's launch was the 487th mission undertaken by the Long March rocket series.