China launches Earth observation satellite in latest space mission VIDEO

China successfully launched an Earth observation satellite on August 17, marking another milestone in the country’s rapidly expanding space programme.

The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) said the launch took place at 11:02 a.m. Beijing time from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre in northern China’s Shanxi Province, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

A Long March-2C (CZ-2C) carrier rocket was used for the mission. According to CASC, the launch was the 664th mission involving the Long March family of rockets. The corporation did not disclose the name of the satellite.

The CZ-2C is a two-stage, liquid-fuelled rocket measuring about 42 metres in length, with a fairing diameter of 3.35 metres. It can carry payloads of up to 2.85 tonnes into low Earth orbit and up to 1 tonne into geostationary transfer orbit.

The mission on August 17 was the 88th launch of the CZ-2C and its fourth launch in 2026.

China has continued to expand its space capabilities, developing satellites for Earth observation, weather monitoring, telecommunications and navigation, while advancing technologies for lunar exploration.

The country is also pursuing research related to Mars and asteroids. Its Tiangong space station remains operational in low Earth orbit and is intended to support international scientific cooperation.

China conducted 92 space launches in 2025, setting a new national record as Beijing continues to increase the pace and scope of its space activities.

By Sabina Mammadli