China’s space ambitions soared higher on Saturday as it successfully launched two new satellites into orbit. The Long March-2D rocket, the workhorse of China’s space missions, blasted off at 12:11 p.m. Beijing Time from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China.
The main passenger on this flight was the Gaojing-3 02 satellite, a high-tech remote sensing satellite. It’s like a super-powerful camera orbiting around Earth, helping with things like mapping, environmental monitoring, and urban planning. This technology can aid in disaster relief by providing real-time images of affected areas.
Joining Gaojing-3 02 was the Tianyan-23 satellite, further boosting China’s capabilities in space-based observation. The successful launch not only adds to China’s growing satellite constellation but also marks the 564th mission of the Long March series rockets—a testament to the reliability of this rocket family.
These advancements are significant for nations across the Global South, as improved satellite imagery can support agriculture, track climate change, and enhance communication networks. As China continues to expand its presence in space, there’s potential for increased collaboration and shared benefits in technology and data.
The Long March rockets have been central to China’s rise as a space power. With plans for lunar exploration and a permanent space station, China is rapidly becoming a key player in the new space race.
