China sends Shijian-26 satellite into orbit in successful launch

China’s Long March-4B (Changzheng-4B) carrier rocket has successfully placed the Shijian-26 (Shijian means "Practice") Earth observation satellite into orbit.

The lightweight, two-stage rocket, capable of delivering a 1.3-ton payload into a sun-synchronous orbit, was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the country’s northwest at 12:12 p.m. Beijing time, Caliber.Az reports, citing Chinese media. 

The satellite separated from the rocket and entered its designated orbit as planned.

The satellite will primarily be used for land management, environmental monitoring, and other related areas, providing information services to support the country’s national economic development.

It was the 579th flight mission of the Long March series carrier rockets.

By Tamilla Hasanova